New Hope Borough Police Chief Announces Plans To Retire

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — New Hope Borough Mayor Larry Keller on Tuesday announced the resignation of the town's police chief, Michael Cummings.

"I'm giving my advanced notice of intent to resign to allow the Borough of New Hope time to find a replacement for my position," wrote Cummings in a letter to the mayor, which Keller read at the outset of the monthly borough council meeting.

Cummings will be retiring following a 47-year career in law enforcement, including the past 15 as chief of police in New Hope Borough.

"I have found my employment here a truly rewarding experience," writes Cummings. "I've enjoyed the support of you, Mr. Mayor, and the numerous borough council members I have served under. I have found many friends among the residents, business owners, and organizations that make up this wonderful borough.

"I will retire with great satisfaction for all that I have accomplished during my tenure with the New Hope Borough Police Department. I will leave with many fond memories of my employment here," wrote the chief.

His comments were met with a standing ovation from the borough council and the audience.

The announcement comes a year after the department earned accreditation making it one of only 20 borough departments in Pennsylvania to earn the recognition.

Following his announcement, Mayor Keller strongly suggested that the borough council consider retaining the services of SafeCity Solutions to search for the borough's next police chief. It was SafeCity that found Chief Cummings for the borough 15 years ago.

SafeCity, which advises governments on public safety matters, is run by two retired police chiefs from Perkasie and Reading who have a combined 86 years in law enforcement.

"We should look at SafeCity. They have done at least 50 chief recommendations alone. The only one that failed was because the one they picked the council chose number two and it didn't work out. So they have a pretty good record," said Keller.