Police OIC Happy to Lead

by Jonathan Weaver

Ford City officially accepted and approved the resignation of Police Chief Roger Wright at last night’s special meeting.

Council President Carol Fenyes said Wright will remain a part-time police officer with Ford City Borough Police while working full-time now in Clarion Borough Police.

Applications for a new police chief will be accepted until August 31.

Until then, Mayor Jeff Cogley announced Officer-in-Charge Michael Greenlee will assume the responsibilities of chief.

Following the council meeting, Officer Greenlee spoke about his approach to his interim title.

“I’ve been a law enforcement officer now for 20 years – maybe longer than that,” Greenlee said. “I come from a big diverse background in the law enforcement – in the management sector, as an officer working my way up, even to the federal government. I don’t use just one business model for one police department – I take pieces from everywhere that I’ve been to create a good business model for Ford City Police.”

Prior to his hiring part-time with Ford City in April, Officer Greenlee worked full-time as chief with Shannock Valley Police and part-time with Southern Clarion County Police and Aspinwall Borough Police.

Greenlee, who grew up in Natrona Heights, was not approached by Chief Wright prior to his demotion to part-time through his new job.

“I’m usually well-immersed in the community that I work for. I feel that that’s a core function of police work,” Officer Greenlee said. “It’s not just going around writing tickets, pulling people over – you have to walk the streets, meet the people, and build relationships.

“I truly believe that walking the beat is the way to meet.”

Greenlee will also be proving his active police work during the upcoming Ford City Labor Day festivities.

The police department has operated 24/7 since the beginning of August – something Council Vice President Tyson Klukan was also excited about.