July 16, 2025

Today, I had the privilege of spending time with Chief Michael Friel and members of the Forks Township Police Department. Chief Friel gave me a tour of the facility and shared valuable insight into his role as well as his responsibilities to the Forks Township Board of Supervisors.

I was impressed by how effectively the department manages and operates within its budget, supplementing with grants to cover essential needs like office equipment and license plate readers for patrol vehicles. That kind of resourcefulness deserves recognition.

We also talked about one of the biggest challenges facing law enforcement today: recruitment. Like departments across the country, Forks Township is seeing fewer qualified applicants. I was especially struck to learn that, following a recent retirement, there are currently no female officers or detectives on staff. That’s a clear opportunity to bring more diversity and representation into the department.

Chief Friel also shared some of the department’s creative community programs—like home checks for residents on vacation, the upcoming National Night Out on August 5th, and even Nerf battles with local kids. These kinds of efforts go a long way in building trust and strengthening community bonds.

Today’s visit gave me a deeper appreciation for what’s working—and where we can do more to support those who keep us safe. As a trained first responder and retired paramedic, I know firsthand the pressures of community service at this level, as well as the importance of keeping every member of our community safe. If I’m elected to the Forks Township Board of Supervisors, I’ll always stand with our officers. Their safety, their voices, and their service matter deeply. And so does yours.