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Home > Blogs > West Chester News and Issues > Archives > 2008 > December > 01 > Entry
Chief Bruce resigns
West Chester Twp. Police Chief Col. John Bruce has resigned from the township, nearly a month before his contract expires and less than two days before Trustees are expected to name his replacement.
Read the rest of that story here.
I spoke with Bruce earlier this afternoon, and he was emphatic about his resignation occurring only as a result of “a promise” he made to trustees when they decided this summer not to renew his three-year contract extension.
As he stated in the article, ” … I will still fulfill my obligation to them not to impede the transition in the greatest police department in the nation.”
Although I haven’t yet verified this with township officials, Bruce said he will be paid for the remaining nearly four weeks left on his contract.
The resignation comes just a little over two months after an internal investigation was launched into his hiring practices.
Bruce then demanded a public apology from trustees.
Then, the West Chester FOP held a vote of “no confidence” in Bruce in early November. Read about that here.
Bruce has held nearly every single position in the department, that was once just over a dozen officers. He worked his way through the ranks, now leading (until Dec. 1) a department of more than 100 employees.
Police union President (FOP Lodge 186) Sgt. Mike Quinn said the announcement is almost “sad,” given the controversy during the past few months.
“It kind of comes at a sad time because he’s done a lot of good for this police department and this community, and we want people to know that,” Quinn said. “We respect him and we respect what he’s done.
“We look forward now to that new transition in our department. New ideas, that’s what we’re looking forward to right now.”
Bruce said he has received “lots of support” during the past few months. Trustees (despite launching the investigation) have lauded his career that spans nearly three decades.
Here’s what Trustee Catherine Stoker, whose 15-years with the township have spanned Bruce’s seven years as chief, had to say:
“Even through all the gossip, we have one of the greatest police departments in this region, if not the state, and one has to give Chief Bruce some if not all of the credit for that excellence.”
What are your thoughts?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Chief Search
Comments
By michael
December 1, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
I know the Chief. He is a good man, and he runs a great Police Department. I wish him the very best.
By VietVet
December 1, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Don’t know the chief as I live in Middletown. However, IF he is guilty and in the habit of promoting nepotism and favoritism in his area of responsibility, then I say good riddence. It’s one more problem that has been removed from Butler County. Now, let’s keep him from being hired within the area for a similar job. Too many times, we recycle people into similar jobs after they have been charged with wrongdoing in their current jobs.This happens with the politicians, school personnel and the state, county and city officials as well.
By ann marie
December 1, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
Thank you God!!!!!and Chief Bruce and now lets get Denise out of there and it will be a great department….again
By Charlie
December 1, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
I think we as a community should realize what Chief Bruce has done for this community. Without any fan fair Col. Bruce has devoted more than half his life to this township and suddenly the township administrator and one trustee (Mr. Wong) wants to discredit all the things he has done for their own political agendas! this is a shame I would also like to know from Ann Marie what she has specifically against Denise. Another hidden agenda as well.
By bellamind
February 24, 2009 3:15 AM | Link to this
Кризис, говорят, в марте усилится. Хотелось бы знать, кто затеял все это и как вообще мы докатились до такой жизни.
By bellamind
February 24, 2009 3:16 AM | Link to this
Кризис, говорят, в марте усилится. Хотелось бы знать, кто затеял все это и как вообще мы докатились до такой жизни.