HELLERTOWN, Pa. — After a months-long search, Hellertown on Monday appointed a new police chief with more than 26 years experience in law enforcement.
At a Borough Council meeting, James Baitinger said that under his leadership, Hellertown Police Department will reduce crime while also prioritizing trust and communication with the community.
Baitinger also said the department will increase transparency and accountability and emphasize training for its officers.
“I’m excited to lead this department forward, and I pledge to everybody that I will work tirelessly and make a positive difference in the lives of people we serve and the lives of our police officers. Together we can build a stronger, safer, more inclusive borough.”Newly appointed Hellertown Police Chief James Baitinger
He said he's "aware of the challenges" the department faces moving forward, especially being under new command.
“I’m excited to lead this department forward," Baitinger said.
"And I pledge to everybody that I will work tirelessly and make a positive difference in the lives of people we serve and the lives of our police officers.
“Together we can build a stronger, safer, more inclusive borough.”
Baitinger previously was with the police department in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, for more than 2 ½ decades.
During that time, Baitinger made his way up from patrol officer to detective, patrol sergeant, unit supervisor and lieutenant and command positions.
The new chief’s employment agreement lists his salary for the rest of the year as $112,736. That will increase 3% the first of the new year and will be up for further review and negotiation from that point on.
'It is not his job alone'
Hellertown Councilman Andrew Hughes said the transition to a new chief will be successful with the help of everyone throughout the police department, Mayor David Heintzelman, council members and Hellertown as a whole.
“While a new police chief is a substantial and important part of restoring our police services, it is not his job alone."Hellertown Borough Councilman Andrew Hughes
“While a new police chief is a substantial and important part of restoring our police services, it is not his job alone,” Hughes said.
Heintzelman spoke highly of the new department leader, also bringing attention to the service of former Officer-in-Charge Michael Dattilio.
“So, not saying that your job is done, but I want you to know that you are very well respected,” Heintzelman said to Dattilio.
“And we want to thank you for the time and efforts you put in as the acting chief.”
Former Interim Police Chief Dominick Fragano stepped down in May to return to his patrolman position. He served as the temporary department leader since October and would be succeeded by Dattilio.
The department’s collective bargaining unit held a unanimous vote of no-confidence in Fragano in January, with the union’s public announcement of the vote coming the following month.
A 44-page review from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association — the group brought on in January to complete a thorough review of the department — showed HPD operated with an outdated police manual, excessive overtime use, a “lax” chain of command and inadequate leadership training.
Borough officials hired PCPA following the departure of former Chief Robert Shupp, who resigned in October and was later charged with stealing more than $122,000 from the borough.
The PCPA review, though, was centered around department operations, not specifically the former chief’s incurred charges.
