The Next Chapter: 5 Urgent Updates On The Gettysburg PA Police Department’s Search For A New Chief And 2025 Staffing Goals
The Gettysburg Borough Police Department (GBPD) is currently navigating a significant period of transition in late 2025, marked by a high-profile search for a new Chief of Police and strategic efforts to bolster its sworn officer ranks. This pivotal moment follows the departure of its long-serving leader and underscores the Borough’s commitment to maintaining a robust public safety presence for its residents and the millions of annual visitors to the historic Adams County seat.
As of December 2025, the department, which serves a community of over 7,600 residents, is focusing on recruitment through a civil service process while simultaneously seeking a "steady, community-minded law enforcement leader" to guide its future. This fresh overview details the five most critical updates shaping the GBPD and public safety in Gettysburg, PA.
The Critical Search for Gettysburg’s Next Police Chief (Post-Glenny Era)
The most pressing issue facing the Gettysburg Borough Police Department is the vacancy in its top leadership position. This leadership transition began in May 2025, when Chief Robert Glenny departed after almost six years at the helm to pursue an opportunity in a neighboring municipality.
The Gettysburg Borough Council, alongside Borough Manager Charles R. Gable, MPA, is now in the process of vetting candidates for the next Chief of Police.
The Borough's official recruitment announcement emphasizes the need for a leader who can manage a full-service department responsible for the safety of a historic town that sees massive tourist traffic.
The new Chief will be tasked with leading a force consisting of 14 sworn police officers, support staff, and a dedicated team of Auxiliary Police Officers.
Key Personnel and Borough Leadership Entities
The governance and operations of the Gettysburg Borough Police Department are overseen by a number of key officials and bodies, all of whom are central to the current leadership transition and 2025 initiatives. The following entities are integral to the department's function:
- Former Chief of Police: Robert Glenny (Departed May 2025)
- Borough Manager / Treasurer: Charles R. Gable, MPA
- Borough Secretary / Right-to-Know Officer: Sara L. Stull
- Mayor (Outgoing): Rita Frealing
- Mayor-Elect (Incoming): Chad-Alan Carr (Previously a Council Member)
- Borough Council President: Jacob Schindel
- Borough Council Member (Second Ward): Chris Berger
- Borough Council Member (At-Large): Chad-Alan Carr (Until Mayoral transition)
- Borough Council Member (Third Ward): Alisha Sanders
- Borough Council Member: Matthew (Matt) Moon
- Borough Council Member: Peter Bales
- Borough Council Member: John Lawver
- Retiring Officer: Dennis Bievenour (Honored by Mayor Frealing and Chief Glenny)
- New Conditional Appointee: Katherine Masesie (Entry-level patrol officer)
2025 Staffing and Budget: A Commitment to Growth
In a major decision that secured the department's operational strength, the Gettysburg Borough Council recently rejected a proposal to cut the police force.
Instead, the Borough plans to enhance its public safety capacity by adding one full-time employee in 2025, an important step in managing the staffing challenges the department has faced.
The current authorized strength includes 14 sworn police officers, plus a police secretary, but Chief Glenny previously noted that hiring a full contingent has been a challenge.
To address this, the department is actively conducting a civil service process for the hiring of full-time police patrol officers.
Furthermore, the department recently recognized two officers for their achievement and service, and conditionally appointed Katherine Masesie as an entry-level patrol officer in December 2025, signaling a proactive approach to recruitment and retention.
Public Safety Technology and Community Policing Initiatives
The Gettysburg Borough Police Department is leveraging modern technology and community partnerships to enhance its public safety service. The department maintains a robust presence on the CRIMEWATCH Network, which serves as a vital tool for community engagement and transparency.
Through CRIMEWATCH, the public can access the Gettysburg Police Blotter, view crime information, and follow official department updates.
The department also offers an Online Reporting system for minor crimes, streamlining the process for residents and freeing up officers to focus on more serious incidents.
In terms of community outreach, the GBPD maintains close ties with local institutions, most notably Gettysburg College. The department is listed as a primary resource, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, in the College's 2025 annual security and fire safety report.
The department’s commitment to being approachable and respectful is a core part of its mission, providing outstanding, responsive, and professional service to the Borough.
Recent High-Profile Incidents and Recognition
Despite the staffing challenges and leadership transition, the department has remained highly active in addressing recent public safety concerns and receiving notable recognition.
In a significant incident, the GBPD recently investigated a case involving a suspect impersonating a police officer in the area of West Stevens Street and Mummasburg Street in February 2025.
This type of incident highlights the importance of the department's public outreach and the need for citizens to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to the proper authorities.
In a moment of recognition, the Gettysburg Borough Police Department was honored by the Department of Defense's Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) office.
This honor underscores the department's commitment to supporting its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, further solidifying its reputation within the wider law enforcement and military community.
The men and women of the department also publicly commemorated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January 2025, demonstrating their dedication to community values and social observance.
The Role of Auxiliary Police and Future Outlook
A key component of the Gettysburg Police Department’s operational strength is its dedicated corps of Auxiliary Police Officers.
These volunteers provide crucial assistance, helping to ensure the safety of the Borough's many special events and day-to-day operations. The department is highly appreciative of these dedicated men and women who help manage the unique demands of a historic tourist destination.
Looking ahead into 2026, the department's primary focus will be successfully onboarding the new Chief of Police and reaching its full complement of sworn officers. The Borough Council’s decision to maintain and slightly expand the force signals a strong fiscal commitment to public safety, a necessity for a town that serves as the Adams County seat and a national landmark.
The next Chief will inherit a department that is technologically engaged via CRIMEWATCH, committed to community partnership with Gettysburg College, and supported by a proactive Borough Council and Borough Manager Charles R. Gable.
The community eagerly awaits the appointment of the next leader who will continue the department's long-standing tradition of protecting and serving the historic Borough of Gettysburg.
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