Residents Decry Council's 'Vendetta' Against Morrisville Police Chief

MORRISVILLE, PA —Residents questioned the Borough Council at a special meeting Wednesday night as to why it wants to take disciplinary action against Police Chief George McClay, including his possible termination.

"I don't understand why you want to get rid of a police chief that has always done his job to the best of his ability with a budget that he has to work with and the officers that you allow him," said Hal Wilcox, who has lived in the borough for 65 years. "All he does is care about this town and Chief McClay is not even from here or lives here, but he cares about Morrisville and would help anyone."

Council President Robert Paul presided over the special meeting, which was being held to authorize a Loudermill notice against the chief.

A Loudermill notice is a form of disciplinary action in which public-sector employers may give notice to employees of their intent to suspend, demote, or terminate them. The employee is entitled to a hearing before facing disciplinary action.

Wilcox said the problem is "that some of you up there" on the Borough Council "have personal issues with Chief McClay."

"You're trying to use your so-called power to resolve your personal issue," Wilcox continued. "And Council, before you make a decision, take the time and look to your left and look to your right and make sure one of your partners isn't using this to take care of a personal grudge."

Resident Holly Harman said she was "harassed" by the police department about her social media posts and was followed by the police chief at one time until she drove out of town. She stated that other women were also questioned by police about their social media posts.

"I'd like to address all of you at Council. I hope that you've done your own research and looked at cases where other townships and municipalities have fired their chief and it costs them millions and they also had to give the police chief his job back," resident Robert Perry said. "I also believe this is a personal vendetta of someone."

"If I get elected in November, I'm going to look into this," Perry said. "And if the rumors are what he's getting fired are ridiculous and it will go further than this. I can tell you that."

Council President Robert Paul presided over the meeting. Borough Council members did not speak at the meeting and neither did the police chief.

Resident Donna Wilson told about how the chief helped a resident in September 2022 by having the water company hold off on shutting off the water for 30 minutes so the resident could pay a late bill.

"Why is the chief being investigated when he was showing compassion?" Wilson said. "The chief kept water flowing in the house with a newborn baby."

Wilson asked if anyone from the council had conversations with the police chief or even verbally reprimanded him. She questioned Paul as to whether he has talked to the chief since he is now serving as interim mayor and oversees the police department.

Another resident who worked as a clerk in the police department stated how McClay cleaned up "the mess" of a police department when he was hired.

Resident Jane Berger said it's a "difficult time" for the council and police chief. "It's a sad day for the borough when it comes down to this."

Resident Don Rice asked for an explanation of the process.

"The chief is one heck of a guy," Rice said. "He is out to make Morrisville a better place and a safe place. We need to keep him."

About a dozen residents spoke about the police chief, including a pastor stating he is "very respectful and professional" and has always been helpful. He added that the police department provides security to the church for Sunday services.

Morrisville Solicitor Chris Gerber explained the process to residents and that he would ensure that "everyone's rights are protected."

"I can feel the tension tonight and I understand," Gerber said. "I've heard a lot of frustration tonight."

Gerber said the council is presenting the letter to the police chief and that the matter is confidential.

Once the chief responds to the letter, the council can decide whether to take disciplinary employment action or not. The chief has until Nov. 1 to respond.

The council voted 6-2 to present the chief with the letter.

"When I hear that there are vendettas, I have to take issue with that," he said. "That's not happening on my watch."