Long-time police chief served area for 42 years
By Jacquelyn Kennedy, Correspondent, The Times
Retiring Kennett Police Chief Albert McCarthy (left) is saluted by the township’s Board of Supervisors (back from left, Robert Hammaker, Richard Leff and Scudder Stevens with Township Manager Lisa Moore) with acting township Police Chief Lydell Nolt (right).
KENNETT — The township’s Board of Supervisors saluted Police Chief Albert McCarthy on his formal retirement after forty-two years of police service in the Kennett area, at last week’s meeting.
McCarthy, who was also police chief in neighboring Kennett Square, was celebrated as he chose to leave his highly regarded profession — one which made him a fixture in the local community.
The long-time local police officer and chief, of course, found ways to go beyond his basic role of community policing, having been a regular at township supervisor meetings for a number of years, and for many years, a one-man ambassador for the township police.
McCarthy became the township’s first police chief, after the township decided to end getting police services from neighboring Kennett Square — where McCarthy had been chief.
He didn’t shy away from, supervisors noted, taking on the unprecedented step of performing duties outside his job requirements — filling gaps as needed for the township. As many noted, he often went above and beyond the call of duty, serving for a number of years as the lone police officer in the township.
McCarthy said that he willingly worked overtime without pay. It is because he genuinely loved his job and all of the people surrounding him — but noted without the support of his family, none of it would have been possible.
“In all of this, I had a partner, and it wasn’t a uniform partner, it was my wife Cheryl,” McCarthy said. He gave special thanks to his wife for all of her support and understanding. He also displayed deep gratitude toward his children and siblings.
Scudder Stevens, chair of the board of supervisors read a heart felt speech in honor of the Chief.
“Enjoy your retirement with your wife, grandchildren and your entire family in every way you choose to experience. There is a new world of business, leisure and volunteering opportunities waiting for you,” Stevens said in congratulating McCarthy.
That prompted a laugh from the crowd, as McCarthy’s services are already in demand as some organizations and committees have already reached out to the chief for volunteering.
“I have no doubt you will continue to live your life giving to others,” Stevens noted. “There are a myriad of organizations which would value your talents and skills. So congratulations on a wonderful career and forty-two years of service to the Kennett Square Community. Best wishes for the next phase. It has been our pleasure to know you, to work with you, to have you guide and assist our community and most importantly, to call you our friend and mentor. To you and to Cheryl I wish you a long life, health and happiness together.”
In other township news, the township police reported 190 emergencies and police incidents in the municipality for April 2015 in which police implemented a new health and safety program. All patrol units and police officers have been certified in administering the heroin overdose response drug Naloxone.
Naloxone is an antidote for opioids such as heroin. It will reverse the signs of central nervous system depression. The project is called “Project Naloxone” which is pursuant to PA Act #139 of 2014. This act permits first responders, law enforcement officers to administer Naxolone to combat the deadly effects of opioid related drug overdoses. While this problem occurs throughout Chester County, it has not yet been put to use in the township.
Intersection safety, proper sign postings, and enforcement of aggressive drivers have been ongoing for several months, police said. The township has installed new four-way stop signs that have been posted in several areas throughout the township. This has reduced the number of accidents at these locations.
As the thermostat rises, residents become reacquainted with the warm weather. It is recommended that the township sustains more active police patrols to offset the normal rise in crime rates. Crime has been known to increase in the summer months due to outdoor activity per acting police chief Lydell Nolt.
In other news, as previously mentioned at the last meeting, a number of township residents have taken issue with being double billed for ambulance services. The emergency services of each township will all take part in a study to better serve its community. Those included are Kennett Square Borough, Kennett Township, Newlin Township, Pennsbury Township, and East Marlborough Township. The study is estimated to cost approximately $2500 with a maximum expense of $5,000, with the cost to be shared by the municipalities.
What is everyone fair share, some residents asked? Lisa Moore, Kennett Township Manager/Secretary/Treasurer confirmed that “fair share” is referring to the amount that each municipality must pay for emergency services for the services provided to their community. The township’s supervisors say they favored this study to take place to improve services and potentially cut costs.
Ralph Hunter, a township resident, asked what would be studied. Moore said that the study will review the operations of all ambulatory services to improve billing and revenue collections, equipment needs, and the distribution of cost and capital needs across all five townships. The proposal will be posted to the Kennett Township website once it is available.
Finally, the township is allowing all residents to dispose of yard debris at the township maintenance yard located at 557 Bayard Road which is open from from dawn until dusk.
Township roadmaster and Public Works Director Roger Lysle said acceptable materials are specific — but that residents also could get wood chips and stone dust for their home improvement projects.
He said “acceptable items are as follows, brush, chippable wood debris such as tree limbs or bushes, leaves and grass clippings.”
In addition to accepting debris, the township is inclined to provide wood chips and stone dust to residents in need. Stone dust is a multipurpose material commonly used for yard construction such as laying pavers along walkways. All items are available for pick up or delivery. See website for contact information.
David Lewis, a volunteer at the EAC (Environmental Advisory Board) expressed concerns to Lysle about accepting chopped ash trees for fear of the infestation of the EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) which is a glittery green beetle that feeds off of ash trees.Lysle said that he will be sure to either use trees from our area or purchase trees from local sources as not to place local neighborhoods in jeopardy.
