Officials: gun buyback just part of effort to improve city
Police, city officials say multifaceted approach needed to cut crime, vandalism
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
COATESVILLE – Officials from the Coatesville Police Department emphasized that stopping gun crime is a multi-faceted task at the City Council meeting on Monday night — and can’t be limited to Saturday’s gun buy-back program.
During his presentation to the council,...
Coatesville hires Johnson as new police chief
City council votes 6-0 in favor of Philadelphia deputy police commissioner
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, The Times
The Coatesville City Council voted unanimously, Tuesday night to hire Stephen T. Johnson (inset) as the city’s new police chief.
COATESVILLE – The city’s long and winding search for a police chief ended last night when city council voted to appoint Deputy Commissioner Stephen...
The right guy, at the right time
City Council gets rare second chance to get it right on Police Chief
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
COATESVILLE — Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good.
At this point, I don’t think anyone can call the chaos that has been the hiring process for Coatesville’s new police chief good, or even passable. But a little like the quarterback who played three lousy quarters but has the chance...
New city Police Chief candidate interviewed
City Council could opt for new hire as soon as Nov. 12
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
The process to hire a new Chief of Police in Coatesville took a step forward, Wednesday, as a single candidate was interviewed by the search committee, which recommended him to City Manager Kirby Hudson, who in turn expects to recommend the candidate to City Council later this month.
COATESVILLE — The long, winding...
Seven more layoffs needed in Coatesville
Actions — or lack of — by City Council are unacceptable. Take your city back, folks.
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
I honestly wish I were making this stuff up.
Imagine this: a city on the edge of insolvency and a City Council member decided she had too much stuff to do around the house to stick around for crucial votes? And then failing to hire a new, surprisingly qualified police chief —...
Coatesville’s police-chief candidate withdraws name
State police veteran did not comment on his decision, which came after a grueling meeting
Updated at 5:15 p.m. with comment from City Council President
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Councilwoman C. Arvilla Hunt, who opposed the selection of Maj. John “Jack” W. Laufer as police chief, assists newly-elected Council President David C. Collins with moving into the leadership...
Bell sworn as interim city police chief
Simpson resigns as council president; city facing $2M deficit
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, The Times
Interim Chief James Bell is sworn in by the Hon. Judge Gregory Hines as Dr. Tonya Thames Taylor serves as witness.
COATESVILLE – Interim chief of police James Bell was officially sworn in for duty at Monday’s city council meeting.
Bell was named interim chief of police at a council meeting on...
Hudson named permanent Coatesville manager
Former D.A. loses bid for public-safety post; Council president nearly loses position
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, The Times
City Solicitor John Carnes applauds new Coatesville City Manager Kirby Hudson upon his appointment by City Council, Wednesday night.
COATESVILLE – In a decisive special meeting last night, City Council appointed a new city manager, almost fired its president, and removed...
Council members owe a spate of apologies
Meeting heaped insults on former D.A., police, a motorcycle club, even the Council president
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Say what you will about Joseph W. Carroll – and plenty of folks did at last night’s embarrassing City Council meeting – the former District Attorney has never wavered in his commitment to Coatesville.
He appeared at the meeting because he had...
City Council to vote on leadership issues
Amid police unrest, a vote is scheduled on making the county’s former D.A. interim public safety chief
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Complaints about the city’s Police Department from within its ranks continue to increase, amid recent challenges that include strapped resources, multiple lawsuits, and evidence-tampering allegations, the latter under investigation by...
