Waynesboro's police chief set to retire

Mark King said he hopes to pursue other opportunities in the future

April 04, 2012|By JENNIFER FITCH | waynesboro@herald-mail.com

WAYNESBORO, Pa. — Waynesboro’s police chief announced Tuesday he will retire after four years in the post.

Mark King’s last working day will be April 20.

The Waynesboro Borough Council accepted his resignation at its Wednesday meeting and decided to advertise for a new police chief. The council members thanked King for his efforts.

“I know he did a lot of things we can’t see,” Councilman Craig Newcomer said, saying King, 44, tackled many administrative duties behind the scenes.

King, a 1985 Waynesboro Area Senior High School graduate, holds a degree in business administration from Frostburg State University and received his police academy training at Harrisburg (Pa.) Area Community College.

He joined the Waynesboro Police Department in 1997 and worked in the Washington Township (Pa.) Police Department as well. He specialized in detective work prior to being named police chief in March 2008.

“I’ve enjoyed my time in law enforcement and appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here in Waynesboro,” said King, who is eligible for partial retirement.

He said he hopes to pursue other opportunities in the future.

During the council meeting, King thanked the council members and mayor for their support.

Councilman Ben Greenawalt wished King well in his next endeavors.

“Thank you, very sincerely, for a job well done,” Councilman Mike Cermak said.

King oversees a department with 18 full-time officers and two part-time officers. He said his primary focus has been the safety of the community and ensuring the officers are well trained for all situations.

The department’s sergeant — which currently is longtime officer Mike Bock — is in charge when the police chief is unavailable, Mayor Richard Starliper said.

Cermak made a motion to advertise for a new police chief.

“I just hope we find one near as good as Chief King,” he said.

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