SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — The leader of the township police department is leaving the force.
Police Chief Glen Dorney tendered his resignation from the South Whitehall Police Department on March 4, according to a statement from Township Manager Tom Petrucci. His last day with the department will be Friday, March 22.
Dorney has led the South Whitehall Police Department since April 2018. He said in an email that he has taken a position in the private sector. He did not say where, but said he will "remain local."
"This decision was not an easy decision to make," Dorney said in the email. "The officers of the South Whitehall Township Police Department are phenomenal to work with, but after 28+ years as a police officer, I feel the need to move on to the next challenge in my professional life."
Before coming to South Whitehall, he was the Allentown police chief for a year. He served in various other positions with Allentown police for 20 years.
"The command staff and leadership team at SWTPD are more than capable and will continue to move this department forward."Former South Whitehall Police Chief Glen Dorney
Dorney thanked the officers and the community.
"I do want to reassure the South Whitehall Township community that they are in good hands. The command staff and leadership team at SWTPD are more than capable and will continue to move this department forward," Dorney said.
What's next for South Whitehall?
The South Whitehall Board of Commissioners will likely appoint an interim chief of police at its meeting Wednesday, according to Petrucci.
Dorney will also receive a Distinguished Service Award during that meeting.
“A strong proponent of community policing concepts who placed a high level of emphasis on both departmental training and organizational structure, Chief Dorney always endeavored to maintain a positive relationship between the Police Department and the community members it serves,” Petrucci's statement read.
Petrucci said commissioners will determine the process for selecting and appointing the next chief.
“We thank Chief Dorney for his service to the community and wish him well with all his future endeavors,” the statement read.
South Whitehall has 43 police officers and became fully staffed in January with the hiring of six new officers.
