West Deer Supervisors this month accepted the retirement of police Sgt. William Bailey, effective Friday.
Bailey served West Deer for 30 years, including 28 as a full-time officer.
“We have great people and a great community,” BaiIey said. “I appreciate the department and the board of supervisors for their support.”
Officer Timothy Burk was to be promoted to sergeant on Sunday.
“Tim has done an excellent job in our department for the past 20 years,” Chief Bob Loper said. “He has worked closely with the school district and I’ll be proud to have him as a sergeant.”
Burk also serves as the head football coach at Deer Lakes and has served as a resource officer at the school.
Supervisors also promoted Dominic Rigous from a part-time to full-time police officer.
“He’s been part-time with us for a couple of years and has proved himself to be an extraordinary police officer,” Loper said. “There was another department that wanted him and this brings us up to the full compliment of 19 officers.”
Supervisors also hired Jeffery Yarusso and Bret Vulakovich as part-time officers to help patrol the 29-square mile township.
George Guido is a freelance writer.
