Commissioners will accept proposal from state organization
By Jamie Richard, Staff writer, The Times
The Caln Township commissioners agreed to receive assistance from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association in their search for a new police chief.
CALN – While no definitive timetable has been set for the hiring of a new police chief, the board of commissioners has accepted outside aid in their search.
At Thursday’s meeting, the board voted to accept a proposal from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association (PCPA), offering their services to assist the township in its search for a new police chief. According to board Vice President Charles Kramer, the PCPA offers, among other services, executive search services to assist municipalities in hiring a chief of police.
“They have a specific service for this that we’re going to utilize,” said Kramer.
The board voted unanimously to accept the proposal, with the condition that language concerning non-disclosure be added. Commissioner Joshua Young was absent from the meeting.
At a special meeting on Sept. 6, the board voted to terminate Chief Brian Byerly, citing allegations of misconduct. Prior to his ouster, Byerly had served as police chief for four years and had been a member of the department for 26 years. The department is currently being supervised by Lt. Jeff Nash.
It is expected that Byerly will appeal his ouster, though the board was unable to provide a definitive answer as to when a hearing would occur.
“The process is moving, but it’s still ongoing,” said Kramer. “We’re still in a position where we can’t discuss it.”
When asked by a resident if the potential hearing would be open to the public, Kramer said the matter would be resolved by the Civil Service Commission prior to the hearing.
“Either side can argue to have it be private and that will be determined at that time if a civil service hearing occurs,” said Kramer.
