Hershey has always been more than just a place to me—it’s home. My story, like so many others here, is rooted deeply in this community. Both of my grandparents lived and worked in Hershey. My paternal grandfather was employed at the Chocolate Factory, and my grandmother worked in the cafeteria at the Milton S. Hershey School. On my mother’s side, my grandfather also worked at the Chocolate Factory. Service and hard work weren’t concepts I learned later in life—they were part of everyday conversation growing up.

     Although I was born in Michigan, my family returned to Hershey when I was just six months old. Since the fall of 1965, Hershey has been home. As a teen, I worked in several departments at Hersheypark, including at the Hershey Arena, and I’ve always been grateful for the opportunity the park provided—not just for me, but for generations of families in this area. Those early jobs taught me responsibility, teamwork, and pride in contributing to my community.

     As a student, I was deeply involved in theatre and band. Those experiences played a meaningful role in shaping my leadership style and taught me discipline, collaboration, and confidence—skills that would later serve me well in law enforcement and leadership. I didn’t know it at the time, but those formative years laid the foundation for the career path I would follow.

    In 1985, I began my law enforcement career with the Highspire Borough Police Department in a part-time capacity and then full-time later that year with the South Londonderry Township Police Department. In 1988, I was hired by Chief Donald Hack with the Derry Township Police Department. I paid for my own academy training—a decision that wasn’t common at the time—but from the very first day, I knew I had found my calling. What drew me to policing is still hard to put into words, but the sense of service felt undeniable. Ironically, my decision didn’t surprise my family or friends; they seemed to recognize something in me before I fully recognized it myself. 

     One of the most defining chapters of my career was my time in the K9 unit. Over 20 years, I worked alongside three dogs—Rex, Jet, and Renko—as patrol and narcotics partners. Those dogs weren’t just coworkers; they were part of my family. Living and working with K9s gave my family a firsthand view of the unique demands and stresses of police work, and it deepened our understanding of the profession together. 

     In 2012, I was promoted to Lieutenant, overseeing operations and uniformed patrol officers, and in 2016, I was appointed Chief of Police. I am only the sixth chief in the department’s history, a fact that speaks volumes about the stability, loyalty, and commitment within this organization. I firmly believe that promoting from within strengthens our connection to the community and ensures continuity in service.

     At the heart of everything I do is my commitment to Derry Township. Strong community relationships, dedicated officers, and a shared sense of purpose define our department. Hershey shaped me, and I consider it an honor to serve the place that has given me so much.