Ferguson Township Police Chief Chris Albright is planning to retire in the coming months after 30 years with the department.
Albright expects his last day in the office to be in late August or early September, according to a letter submitted to Township Manager Centrice Martin on June 14. The Board of Supervisors formally accepted his pending retirement on Tuesday night.
“I know from what I have observed and heard and seen what an incredible asset you have been to this community,” Board Chair Laura Dininni said. “We thank you for that service.”
After serving as an officer and sergeant, the lifelong township resident was appointed in June 2017 to succeed the retired Diane Conrad as chief.
He told the board on Tuesday night that the township is “like a family.”
“I’ve enjoyed the joy of working with township residents and stakeholders for the last 30 years,” he said. “You get to interact with a lot of great people doing great things… I just appreciate the opportunity that I’ve had over the years.”
In his letter to Martin, Albright wrote that he had “mixed emotions” about the decision but felt it would be “in the continual betterment of the department,” to retire.
“I was honored to accept the role as police chief in 2017,” Albright wrote. “I had lofty goals that I aspired to attain for the organization. I hold myself accountable for the successes and failures of the department. Upon self-reflection, since my promotion, I do not feel that I’ve met my expectations.”
Prior to leading the department, Albright was a bicycle officer, field training officer, a member of the tactical response and hostage negotiation teams and an administrative sergeant who was second-in-command.
Board Vice Chair Lisa Strickland credited Albright for his leadership in a variety of aspects during his time as chief, including advancing crisis intervention training, improved protocols for drug overdoses and charitable endeavors like “shop with a cop” to provide holiday gifts for kids from families in need.
“[It’s been] so many years of dedication and service to this community. We can’t thank you enough for that effort that you’ve put out for all of us,” Strickland said. “These are lasting impressions you’ve made here and I just want to extend that appreciation. It’s made such an impression and difference here. We’re sad to see you go but very happy for you and your new adventures.”
Dininni recalled how when protestors were evicted after occupying the site of a planned apartment complex on what was then Penn State-owned land, she was reassured by the calming presence of Albright.
“I remember saying thank you for being here because I knew when he arrived that there was going to be a deceleration of the situation where there were people I really cared about and that I was worried about,” Dininni said. “I really felt like that interaction and how that was handled was a testament to the leadership of Chief Albright, where it was very heartfelt and he cares a lot about the community and the outcomes. It’s always been self-evident.”
His tenure as chief also included the formation of a cold-case unit to investigate several unsolved crimes. Detective Caleb Clouser from that unit worked with the Office of the Attorney General to make an arrest last year in the 2016 murder of Jean Tuggy.
“It was a privilege to represent Ferguson Township for the last 30 years,” Albright wrote. “I’ve experienced many highs and lows throughout my career. My hope is that I have positively impacted at least one person along the way.”
Albright added that he is “grateful” to have had the opportunity to serve township residents and visitors and expressed confidence in the department.
“The men and women of the Ferguson Township Police Department will continue to provide exceptional service to the community,” he wrote. “I wish you all well.”
