FORKS TWP., Pa. — The township police chief announced his retirement Sunday, days after a separation agreement was up for consideration by township supervisors.
Chief Michael Friel posted a letter to the police department's Facebook page confirming his retirement after more than two decades with the force.
In it he said he was ready to “move into the next professional challenge.”
“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Forks for over 23 years."Forks Township Police Chief Michael Friel
“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Forks for over 23 years," said Friel, who joined the department in 2003 and served 10 years as a patrolman and 10 years as detective.
He was sworn in as chief in 2023.
Word of his departure comes after township supervisors at their Dec. 4 meeting had an agenda item that read, “Motion to approve separation agreement with Michael Friel (action item).”
A Right to Know request filed by LehighValleyNews.com Dec. 9 has yet to receive a response.
Neither Township Manager Donna Asure nor supervisors' Chairman John O'Neil have responded to requests for comment.
Friel's message on Facebook did not elaborate on the circumstances of his departure, other than saying it came "after much thought and consideration."
“I have been privileged to work alongside some of the best officers in the profession, great people who show up every day with professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the township,” he said.
Listing accomplishments
Friel identified some of the major initiatives and achievements during his tenure, including the creation of the Forks police website and creating social media pages to engage with the community and foster transparency.
He also created a full-time Community Resource Officer position that supported programs such as the Junior Police Academy, Coffee with a Cop, Shop with a Cop, National Night Out event and Badge Buddies, he said.
An accreditation manager job also was created to oversee and maintain the department's accreditation status, along with development of an accident reconstruction team.
Friel said he updated technology in the department by outfitting patrol vehicles with laptops, license plate readers, in-car printers, and software that electronically files citations and gives a direct visual link to county dispatch for officer safety.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the residents of Forks Township for allowing me to serve you," he said.
"I have been fortunate to lead a group of highly skilled, dedicated officers who consistently put community first. Their professionalism made every accomplishment possible.
“Thank you for the privilege of serving Forks Township for more than two decades.”
