Longtime police chief to retire
Tim Dickinson says he plans to leave at end of year
It’s not official yet, but 2020 could be the final year in uniform for one of the area’s longest-tenured leaders.
Towamencin Police Chief Tim Dickinson announced Wednesday night he plans to retire at the end of the year.
“Nothing is etched in stone, we’re in the planning phases, but I have not kept it a secret that I would like to retire at the end of the year,” he said.
“It’ll be 43 years, I will have been here 15 years, and hopefully, if the township’s ready, if the police department is ready, and I’m still ready, then I intend to retire on December 31st.”
Dickinson arrived in Towamencin in 2005 as the final stop in a law enforcement career that began in Lower Moreland Township, as a 22-year-old patrol officer in 1977.
“I’m going to be 65 in August, and this is becoming a young man’s game, and it’s time for me to turn the reins over, and go on to the next phase of my life,” he said.
“I’ve been a police officer since I was 22 years old, and I’ve been a supervisor, managing police officers, since 1981. So it’s time for some fresh ideas, for me and for the police department as well,” he said.
After rising to the rank of sergeant in Lower Moreland, Dickinson took over as police chief in Perkasie on June 1, 1992, then held that position for 13 more years before heading to Towamencin.
“I’ve worked in three different police departments, and I have been very fortunate to not only work for some really good bosses, but also, in all three departments I worked in, having great people working with me, that make me look good, that do a great job,” he said.
“I have a great crew here. They do a great job. I often say, the group I have now is probably the smartest, and most technologicallysavvy,
and compassionate group of police officers I’ve ever worked with — not to take anything away from the other two departments,” Dickinson said.
All three communities have provided strong support for police from residents, elected leaders and fellow officers, Dickinson said.
He’s had a succession plan in place in Towamencin “for a number of years,” and staff and fellow officers have been informed so the news is no surprise.
“Once I know all of the preparations are in order, and I’m able to turn the department over, and it’s not going to cause a problem for anybody that’s here — because they’ve been so supportive of me, I certainly don’t want to just walk out the door — then I’ll be ready to go.”
That final decision will likely come closer to the end of the year, he said, once arrangements are finalized and the next in line has been named.
“I’ve done nothing special, I’ve just done my job, and I’m honored to serve. I would do it all over again,” he said.
What would he tell that young officer starting out in 1977?
“That young man from
43 years ago did not think he would ever be in this position,” Dickinson said with a laugh.
During the public comment portion of Wednesday night’s meeting, resident Pauline Bracchio made a plea to the board.
“Chief Dickinson is the best chief of police that can be, and I just really don’t want to see him retire,” she said.
“He is an exceptional man, and a fantastic chief of police, and if you can make him stay longer, in any way, shape or form, I wish that you would,” she said.
Her request drew chuckles from the board and from Dickinson, and board Chairman Chuck Wilson said Bracchio voiced their feelings too.
“I don’t think anybody up here disagrees with that. We’re all on the same page,” he said.
Supervisor Jim Sinz noted just one issue: “We can’t hold him at gunpoint. That’s the problem.”
Towamencin’s supervisors next meet at 7:30 p.m. on March 11 at the township administration building, 1090 Troxel Road.