Coatesville’s new police chief elicits standing ovation

 Flanked by family, he expressed gratitude for outpouring of support By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Chester County Detective Robert Dougherty (left) chats with State Police Major John “Jack” W. Laufer III before Laufer’s swearing-in as Coatesville’s next police chief. A standing-room-only crowd and a standing ovation marked the beginning of the tenure of...

Police-chief’s position vacant again in Coatesville

Medical issues led to resignation, said city manager, who has back-up plan By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Coatesville’s new police chief, Stephen T. Johnson, is resigning for health reasons, said City Manager Kirby Hudson. Less than a month after his swearing-in, Coatesville Police Chief Stephen T. Johnson has announced his resignation, citing health reasons, said City Manager...

Police-chief search group set to interview candidate

Coatesville’s interim police chief expresses interest in keeping job By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Coatesville Interim Police Chief James Bell said he plans to seek the permanent position. A meeting between Coatesville’s police-chief search committee and a top candidate will be held next week, City Manager Kirby A. Hudson said Monday night. Speaking after the City Council...

Search for Coatesville police chief back in high gear

City manager says a promising candidate will be interviewed next week By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Coatesville City Manager Kirby Hudson (left) chats with City Council President David C. Collins outside City Hall on Tuesday. Contrary to appearances, the City of Coatesville’s next permanent police chief may be just a few steps shy of selection. City Manager Kirby Hudson said...

Fire-prevention efforts get boost in Coatesville

City receives $2,000 to fund smoke detectors, awareness campaign By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Acting Coatesville Fire Chief Jim Lentz (from left), Greg Cary from PECO, City Manager Kirby Hudson, City Council President David C. Collins, District Attorney Tom Hogan, and Safe Kids Chester County’s Lori Aguilera and Shawn Vovericz display the ceremonial checks. Coatesville firefighters...

Attorney: Police predicted sabotage of chief’s selection

  Opinions vary as to how process will continue with dwindling candidates  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Councilwoman C. Arvilla Hunt confers with Councilman Jarrell Brazzle during Monday night’s controversial meeting. The attorney representing the Coatesville Police Benevolent Association said today that members of the department predicted that the search committee’s...