Hatboro Police Chief Bids Farewell After 40 Years

HATBORO, PA —Hatboro Police Chief James Gardner stood behind the microphone at the podium on Monday night knowing he had to say something.

After all the accolades marking his achievements in a 40-year police career over the past half hour, the retiring chief held the spotlight and the audience's attention at the former Pennypack School at Monday night's Borough Council meeting.

"Wow! Thank you to everyone for the awards that I'm humbly accepting," the chief said. "It's been a long time. It doesn't seem like it."

Gardner graduated from Hatboro-Horsham High School and said he knew then that he wanted to be a police officer.

"It can't be any more of an honor than to serve as police chief in your hometown," Gardner said before a packed crowd who gave him a standing ovation when the retirement ceremony concluded. "My goal was to leave this place as good or better than when I came here. I hope I accomplished that goal."

Gardner went on to thank residents, the current and prior borough councils, borough staff, his police force, and those who gave him the chance to start in the profession at the age of 18, working as a police dispatcher at a starting hourly rate of $4.60.

"There's a difference between doing something right and doing the right thing," Gardner concluded. "You should always do the right thing."

Gardner started the Borough Council meeting by leading the audience with "The Pledge Of Allegiance" for one final time.

"We are here to honor the chief," Council President George Bollendorf said. "I thank you for all of us. Seven years ago, I was a neophyte on the council. Your guidance was greatly appreciated. You had a great impact on me."

Mayor Tim Schultz then got the retirement ceremony started by going over the chief's credentials.

"He's been here for the good times and the bad times," the mayor said.

• In 1986, Gardner became a part-time police officer while also working part-time for the Warwick Police Department.
• Gardner became a full-time Hatboro police officer in August 1987.
• In February 1990, he was promoted to corporal.
• Gardner became Detective Corporal in March 2000.
• In 2002, Gardner was appointed as police chief.
• Gardner also served as borough manager from May 2005 to April 2010.

Gardner earned several commendations and awards throughout his career, some of which include a 199 arson arrest, 1997 and 1999 burglary arrests, a 20133 Montgomery County District Attorney's Office commendation for a robbery case, and a 2019 award for service from Victims Services of Montgomery County, the mayor said.

Gardner oversaw our department becoming accredited by the PA Police Chiefs Association, and the building of the new police station, which was completed in 2018.

During his tenure, Gardner ensured that all police officers received Crisis Intervention Training from Montgomery County Emergency Services (mental health, drug, and alcohol emergency service facility).

The department was the first in Montgomery County to have all its officers trained in Crisis Intervention, borough officials said.

Schultz was followed by Deputy Police Chief Mark Ruegg, who will be replacing Garner once his tenure wraps up Thursday.

Ruegg presented the chief with a citation from Gov. Josh Shapiro honoring Gardner for his service on behalf of all Pennsylvanians.

Hatboro-Horsham District Justice Todd Stephens worked with Gardner long ago while he was in the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office and said the two have known each other for 20 years.

The former state representative for Horsham Township presented the chief with a judicial commendation for his lengthy service.

"I offer you my since congratulations," Stephens said. I wish you good health and happiness."

State Rep. Nancy Guenst and State Sen. Maria Collett gave Gardner citations for the state House of Representatives and Senate, stating that a flag was flown at the Capital in Harrisburg in the chief's honor.

Guenst, the borough's former mayor, presented Gardner with that flag.

Schultz then returned to give Gardner a plaque from the mayor and council.

The accolades aren't over for Gardner.

The Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce will honor Gardner with its "Life of Service" award at the Borough Ball on March 9, the first award of its kind ever by the chamber.

(Photos by Dino Ciliberti/Patch) Hatboro Police Chief James Gardner watches Monday night's retirement proceedings along with Borough Manager Diane Hegele.

A procession of police and fire members gathered at the Pennypack Facility to pay their respects to Police Chief James Gardner's 40-year career.

Hatboro-Horsham District Justice Todd Stephens presents a judicial citation to Police Chief Gardner for his service to Hatboro.