FC Police Patrolman Given Sergeant Status
Mayor Jeff Cogley congratulates Officer Jonathan Freel to his new position as police Sergeant in the Ford City Police Department. Freel was the Interim Police Chief prior to the hiring of Roger Wright (background) last month.
by David Croyle
Much has changed over the past thirty days for Ford City policeman Jonathan Freel.
It began on March 14 with Council removing Freel as Interim Police Chief and having him return to part-time officer status.
Last night, Freel’s position in the police department was elevated to the status of Police Sergeant.
Ford City Mayor Jeff Cogley made the new assignment as he stood in front the council table before the audience.
“By the authority vested from this office and the citizens of the Borough of Ford City, I would like to promote you to Sergeant on this day, Monday, April 11, 2016.”
Freel’s promotion comes with an increase in compensation to the hourly rate of $16.50.
New Ford City Police Chief Roger Wright explained Freel’s duties as sergeant.
“He will have added responsibilities to be determined once we start writing some policies. Jonathan is a very good officer. He has earned the Sergeant position within this department. He stepped up and acted as the Interim Chief. He shows very good leadership skills and that’s what we need out of our senior officer.”
Wright said Freel will remain on part-time status, but that with case loads that included going to court, it could reach near the maximum of 40 hours.
Along with Freel’s promotion, Wright recommended increases in salary for all the part-time officers. Council President Carol Fenyes explained the various levels before Council voted on it.
Ford City Council President Carol Fenyes listed the new salaries of part-time police officers prior to Council approving the raises.
“We have a new pay scale we would like to put into effect in the police department effective April 10. Upon hire, the part-time officers would make $15.35 per hour; after two years of continuous service, they will be given $16.00 per hour. Upon promotion to Sergeant, they would receive $16.50 per hour.”
Councilman Marc Mantini made the motion to approve, and it received a second by Councilman Tyson Klukan. All voted in favor of the raise.
Wright said the department has been operating with fewer part-time officers than anticipated in this year’s budget because the force was not in total operation during the first several months of this year. He said with that money still in the budget, the raises will not have any impact on the $184,821 allocated to the police department for part-time salaries.
“We will still be well within budget - even next year if we run the same amount of shifts - and the reason being is the overlap of shifts as opposed to putting two guys together for a longer period of time.”
Wright said there are currently 64 open hours per week in the schedule that new part-time officers will share to complete the roster.
The Ford City Police Department currently has four part-time officers, but Council also voted last night to act on the recommendation of Mayor Cogley and hire four more officers, including Ryan Spencer, Michael Greenlee, Brian Stotlemyer, and Robert Yough.
Part-time officers must pass drug tests and background checks before commencing employment, followed by a six-month probationary period.
Tyson Klukan complimented Wright’s report showing 20 drug investigations that have been launched during the last 30 days.
“I would like to commend you and your department along with the Mayor on your first major drug bust. It was a very large operation that you guys took on. We would love to see more of these happening obviously and make Ford City a safe place - and public safety is a priority. So thank you guys - thank your department.”
Ford City, Local News | David Croyle April 12, 2016
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By jorn jensen, April 13, 2016 @ 10:25 AM
Well, the poll seems to somewhat disagree with Ford City council’s action. 122, as of this writing, say to pay down the debt while 99 say to grant pay increases to part-time police officers.
I guess if you ignore the debt long enough, it will go away?
By Marc, April 13, 2016 @ 4:09 PM
It’s funny that Jensen puts so much weight on the outcome of these KP polls, but is still crying about the Historical Society issue even thought it was a landslide! LOL
Where’s your contact list at pal????
By sickofpayingforit, April 13, 2016 @ 10:12 PM
JOrn,
You just add up the bills, tax em to the limit, and go plant money trees for the rest. The first play in the liberal playbook!
By blutoblutarsky, April 14, 2016 @ 11:45 AM
Jensen, wasn’t that sickof’s fantastic plan? To ignore the debt? Didn’t you back him/her up on that?
By Marc, April 15, 2016 @ 8:01 AM
Sickofcommonsense,
Why are you attempting to insult liberals with your comment while crying on another thread about people being insulting to you??
By mad-2010, April 15, 2016 @ 4:15 PM
That’s funny Sickof! How would you know anything about a liberal playbook? Heck Sickof, you really think Cheerleading is the most dangerous sport in high school! How and why would someone take you seriously? Heard you still talk to George Washington on occasion! LOL The Nets are coming for you Sick!
By jd718, April 16, 2016 @ 6:32 AM
Jensen and his Pet tell so many lies they often forget what they have said! LOL
By Marc, April 18, 2016 @ 8:12 AM
Bluto, Yes.. that was sickof’s plan. Brilliant, huh?