Palmer Police Chief Retires After 41 Years

submitted his letter of retirement to the board of supervisors Jan. 23 after 41 years on the force.

“My goal was just to be a good police officer,” he said at Tuesday’s .

Fretz, 62, said after 41 years, it was time to focus his attention on his family. That, and hunting. He said he’s an avid hunter; you name it, he hunts it.

His last day as police chief will be April 1.

The township will contract with the Davison Group of Mechanicsburg, the same company that helped find the new township manager, to search for a new top cop.

Davison will get $90 an hour to a maximum of 80 hours to find a replacement for Fretz.

Fretz was hired as a part-time officer in 1970, promoted to full time in 1972 and worked his way up the chain of command to become chief on April 1, 1990, which he called April Fool’s Day.

“I commend all the officers of the for the excellent service they provide for Palmer Township,” he said.

Board Chairman David Colver thanked Fretz for his service: “We wish you and your family well,” he said.

Fretz said he will most miss the camaraderie of working with the officers.