Police Chief, 2 Officers Hired In Morrisville

MORRISVILLE, PA —The borough has a new police chief and two new officers who will join him in the Morrisville Borough Police Department.

Less than a month after settling a termination agreement with former Police Chief George McClay, the Morrisville Borough Council has appointed his replacement.

At its June 18 meeting, the council unanimously approved a contract for Richard Ciampa to oversee the 15-member police department.

Ciampa recently retired after serving 25 years as a lieutenant in Freehold, N.J.

He will be paid an annual salary of $140,000. A start date was not mentioned by the council.

Ciampa, who was introduced at the meeting, expressed "his excitement and gratitude" for the opportunity to lead the police department and work with the community.

The council also approved the hiring of two full-time police officers, Michelle Williamson and Chris Carlin, pending background investigations.

Ciampa replaces McClay, who was terminated in November after serving as chief since 2014.

McClay, who was terminated in November while on vacation in Mexico, told Patch that he reached a "separation settlement" approved unanimously by Morrisville Borough Council at its meeting on Tuesday night.

He will be paid $200,000 with the payout including $55,000 in unpaid PTO to the retired Philadelphia police lieutenant.

The council relieved McClay of his duties, taking disciplinary action it had considered when it had authorized a Loudermill notice against the chief.

"We are pleased to have this chapter closed, allowing us to move forward," Mayor Gary Wallace told Patch when the settlement was reached. "Our borough is at a pivotal moment, and we are eager to welcome a new leader for our police department. Selecting the right leader is our top priority, as this individual will be crucial in continuing the excellent work that has already begun."

Wallace did not respond Tuesday for comment on the new police chief hiring.