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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