By NATASHA BRENNEMAN
Staff writer
Back in November, William Peck IV was called upon to be acting police chief in Clarion. During borough council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, that appointment was made permanent.
Peck was sworn in during an informal ceremony in the borough office on Wednesday with his family and members of council present. Peck’s mother, Anna, held the Bible as Mayor Dan Parker administered the oath.
Peck became emotional as his father, former Clarion County Sheriff William Peck III, pinned the badge on his son.
“The borough of Clarion has been good to me,” the new chief said after signing the official paperwork.
Peck, who has been a member of the Clarion Borough Police Department for nearly 25 years, said he plans to fill the vacant detective role, update officers’ equipment and build a stronger presence downtown.
“The citizens and business owners of downtown will know who the chief is,” Peck said.
Parker told the new chief that he had earned the position and thanked him for “stepping up.”
Citizens speak out about former chief
Several people were at council’s meeting to voice opinions in regard to former police chief Mark Hall.
An email was read requesting a formal investigation into the circumstances behind Hall’s dismissal as police chief and borough secretary-treasurer.
He was dismissed in November by former Mayor Dave Walters.
Ex-meter enforcement officer terminated
A motion to terminate Janice Gabler, former part-time meter enforcement officer, was unanimously passed at the meeting.
Gabler was arraigned Jan. 30 on charges of theft by unlawful taking. She is accused of taking more than $1,450 from borough parking meters.
Natalie Sheen is replacing Gabler in the position.
Tax collection rate up
Deputy tax collector Bob Balough announced at the meeting that tax collection was at its highest rate in five years, and that the current tax collector, Rose Logue, has no plan to run for re-election.
