By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

Effective Sept. 11, the New Garden Township Police Department will begin providing around-the-clock services until Dec. 13, a pilot program that is anticipated to extend to permanent, full-time police protection for the township.  

The announcement comes in the wake of a decision by the township's Board of Supervisors in May that gave approval to the department to institute a 24/7 pilot program. The initiative to extend the department's coverage was heard in unison at a town hall meeting at the township building on May 23, when several residents in attendance expressed the need for full-time police coverage in the township.

Although the department has agreed to make temporary accommodations to the terms of their contract in order to facilitate the full-time program on a permanent basis, Police Chief Gerald Simpson said in a letter to township residents that he expects that the contract will be reviewed and revised, so that full coverage will be able to continue beyond December.

“We are confident this will be accomplished and that 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year police coverage will continue to be provided,” he wrote.

In order to better accommodate the increased coverage, the Department hired three part-time officers in July. Officers Michael King, Philip Magorry and Pedro Melendez took their oath at the July 22 board of supervisors meeting before Judge Matthew Seavey. 

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail [email protected].