Palmer Township Hires Three New Officers

Palmer Township has hired three new part-time police officers.

The officers -- Ricky Knecht, Stephen Schleig and Michael Spinozzi -- started field training this past week. The officers will help to cover vacation and holiday hours.

The department had hoped to hire full-time officers to fill the three full-time vacancies but budget cuts have delayed that desire. The township has 30 full-time and six part-time officers currently on the roster, according to Lt. Thomas Trinchere, who is serving as acting police chief. Chief Bruce Fretz is recovering from shoulder surgery.

In addition to the three part-time officers, a police intern will be out and about this summer.

The intern’s name is not being released. However, Trinchere said, the male intern is a local resident who attends Delaware Valley College, where he is in the criminal justice program. As part of that program, 240 hours observing police must be completed.

The intern will observe officers during all three shifts and wear a green T-shirt with “Palmer Township Intern” written on it.

“He will strictly observe,” said Trinchere, adding that the intern will not be in harm's way during police calls.