INPERSON
The Guardian
After 28 years of protecting and serving , Chief of Police Harry J . Fruecht retires from the Peters Township Police Department .
BY NICOLE TAFE
On Sept . 30 , after 28 years of service , Harry J . Fruecht retired his duties as the Chief of Police of Peters Township .
Fruecht grew up in Carnegie and his family moved to Peters Township in 1958 . He attended Peters Township High School and graduated with the class of 1968 . Following high school , Fruecht received his bachelor ’ s degree in Law Enforcement and Corrections from Penn State University .
Fruecht began his career in law enforcement in 1972 as a part-time police officer with the Peters Township Police Department . In 1974 , Cecil offered Fruecht a full-time position , which he accepted . Later that year , however , he was offered — and accepted — a position with the USC Police Department , where he was promoted to Sergeant in 1980 and then Deputy Chief in 1986 . That same year , Fruecht also attended and graduated from the 145 class of the FBI National Academy .
In 1988 , the Peters Township Chief position was advertised . He was encouraged to apply , and soon began the rigorous interview process , which included three interviews .
After the final round of interviews , Fruecht got a call from Michael Silvestri , the Township ’ s Manager at the time , who offered him the position .
Fruecht was named Chief of Police of Peters Township on June 27 , 1988 . He was hired as the Chief of Police / Director of Public Safety and was responsible for the overall operation and administration of the Peters Township Police Department and the coordination of police , fire and emergency medical services .
“ When I became Chief , the department was in need of direction ,” says Fruecht . The Policy Manual lacked job descriptions , was in need of revision and fell short in addressing current critical issues facing police departments everywhere . Fruecht worked diligently to create a new Policy Manual that provided the necessary direction and a framework for continued growth .
At that time , the department was also in need of an improved training program . “ Training is essential to developing and maintaining effective personnel ,” says Fruecht . By interviewing officers to
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