Upper Makefield Hires Search Firm To Find Next Police Chief

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — The Upper Makefield Board of Supervisors on Monday voted unanimously to hire Resource Management Associates to find a replacement for retiring Police Chief Mark Schmidt.

The township will pay RMA $34,335 plus expenses to conduct a search for a new police chief, including the consideration of current and recently departed officers.

A township subcommittee recommended RMA after interviewing four firms for the job, assistant township manager Judy Caporiccio said on Monday.

"We had some strong proposals, but felt that RMA had a lot of experience in the recruitment of police chiefs and public safety executives, including some experience here in Bucks County - Bensalem, Solebury, Buckingham, Falls - and in surrounding counties," Caporiccio told the board. "What stood out to us is that they were not only looking for the most qualified person, but the right person."

Supervisor Tom Cino joined other board members in approving the motion but expressed reservations about the cost.

"This position is obviously very important. We need the right person to fill it. From my read of the information, I believe this firm is capable. I do like the price. It's high," said Cino.

"With that being said, I certainly hope there is a way for the search firm to ensure that they are taking into consideration any current or previous officers," said Cino. "We have a great police department with great officers and we want to make sure that anyone who is on the force or recently departed from the force who may want to be considered has the avenue to be considered," he said.

Welden responded, "That's a good point. We did bring it up with the firms during our questioning to make sure folks understood that we would likely have some internal or recently departed candidates."

Supervisors Hire Interim Chief

In a separate motion, the supervisors voted to hire retired Lower Makefield Police Chief Ken Coluzzi through his City Burbs company to serve as interim police chief while the township searches for its next chief.

After Chief Schmidt transitions to chief emeritus at the end of August, Chief Coluzzi will step in and fill the post until a new chief is hired by the township.

Chief Schmidt was hired as an officer in 1980 and served in multiple roles until he was named chief in 1997.

"Eight years of service at any job is a lot. Forty years plus is incredible, especially in public service," said Welden in May in approving a retirement agreement with the chief. "You have been the backbone of public service here in Upper Makefield for all the time you have been here, longer than some of us have been alive. A heartfelt thank you from the board."

In addition to his duties with the police department, Chief Schmidt served in different roles with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, the Bucks County Chiefs of Police Association, and the Upper Makefield Business Association.

"Having served Upper Makefield with distinction for over 40 years, Chief Schmidt leaves behind a remarkable legacy," said Welden. "The entire township thanks Mark for his unwavering service and commitment to Upper Makefield, and we wish him a well-earned retirement."