Former Philadelphia Police Officer Nominated For Allentown Police Chief
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Allentown's mayor has nominated a veteran Philadelphia police officer to become the city's next police chief.
Joel Fitzgerald Sr. says he hopes to focus on community-oriented policing, and build a collaborative relationship with residents.
Fitzgerald has been the police chief in Missouri City, Texas, since 2009.
He spent 18 years on the Philadelphia force, often focusing on drug investigations. His wife Pauline is a detective.
Mayor Ed Pawlowski says he selected Fitzgerald from a pool of more than 50 candidates. Fitzgerald also holds a doctorate in business administration.
He will make $135,000 a year if council approves his nomination.
The Allentown Police Department has more than 120 uniformed and civilian employees.
Former Chief Roger MacLean and his successor, Acting Chief Joe Hanna, took part in a Deferred Retirement Option Plan.
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