NEWTOWN SQUARE–At a meeting on Sept. 12, a promotion was made for Sgt. Chris Lunn effective immediately.
Lunn was unanimously approved by the supervisors for the promotion to lieutenant on Newtown's police force.
The supervisors had already approved the hiring of a second lieutenant on the police department.
"I guess it was during the summer that we approved–subject to budget constraints–the position of a second lieutenant as outlined by the chief," explained Supervisors Chairman Joseph Catania.
According to Police Chief Dennis Anderson, the process to hire another lieutenant soon ensued after receiving approval from the supervisors.
"I put it out to all the men who were eligible to take the test of lieutenant," shared Anderson.
Anderson said three sargeants applied for the position and interview process for the new lieutenant began last Wednesday. Anderson and another member of the Delaware County Chiefs Association conducted the interviews.
"At this time, it was the recommendation of myself and the other chief that Sgt. Lunn be promoted to lieutenant," said Anderson during Monday's meeting.
It was calculated that approximately $2,600-$3,000 would be paid towards the new position for the rest of the year. According to Catania, the hiring of another lieutenant will not impact the police budget.
An official swearing in ceremony will be held for Lunn's promotion at the next Board of Supervisors meeting.
In addition to Lunn's promotion, Catania provided a status update on the current police contract. At a supervisors meeting in August, the with just a few minor edits to the language of the contract that needed changing.
After going back and forth with each party's attorneys, Catania said the contract was approved and signed on Aug. 12.
"That contract will go back three and go forward three years," said Catania about the retroactive three-year police contract with the township.
The new contract, which includes the years from 2012-2014, calls for a base pay salary increase of a 2.5 percent increase for 2012, a 3 percent increase for 2013 and a 3.5 percent increase in 2014.
The new contract includes police officers paying higher co-pays to a $10/20 plan in comparison to their last plan of a $5/10 co-pay. The township could see a possible savings of $115,000 from this change alone.
Anderson and Jim Sheldrake were buds, that's how Anderson got hired. My good friend is a NS cop and he told me Anderson has been the worst chief to come along in years, the guys can't stand him, he's no leader. Anderson spent his days keeping Linda Houlden happy and having lunch with Sheldrake. I used to see Anderson and Sheldrake in Winners Circle having lunch. Anderson was in uniform! I thought cops couldn't have lunch in a place that serves alcohol? Well Jim got fired and Linda is a lame duck, I'm hearing Anderson is packing his bags. I hope the three of them enjoy their early retirement.
You think it's ok for Anderson to go to Lunch with Sheldrake at a popular lunch place put it is ok for several members of the Newtown Police force to be drinking at Joe Catania's house after the election till 2 in the morining. Was your good friend one of them? Was Anderson eating in the bar? I don't think so, stop triing to trash a good man for your and/ or your friends gain! He may have to pack his bags not because he did anything wrong while Chief but because there were promises made for votes and now it is time to pay the piper! The Township side is already falling apart why not the Police side!!
And if you go back and read my post I said it was NOT OK for a man in uniform to have lunch in a place that serves alcohol, I'm not even a cop and I know that! Mary how do you think Anderson got hired? He had political ties and friends in the right places. I've had to deal with him and he was grumpy and unprofessional, and no I wasn't in trouble or breaking the law at the time! And yes I think they can all drink with Joe Catania after the election, only 400 people in this town may disagree. The same 400 who owe Linda for their jobs.