Commissioners Move to Replenish Police Candidate List

With a number of Lower Merion Police Department vacancies possible in 2013, the Board of Commissioners took steps on Wednesday night to ensure that the department remains fully staffed. 

While the police department is authorized to employ 136 officers, 128 are currently on duty, according to a letter from Police Superintendent Michael McGrath to the township manager, dated Sept. 13, 2012. 

Seven more officers will be hired and sent to the Montgomery County Police Academy on Oct. 1, McGrath said.

After filling current vacancies, however, only five names will remain on the approved Civil Service Commission list, created in 2011, of police officer candidates from which the department hires.

With 15 officers currently eligible to retire and four more becoming eligible by July 2013, McGrath asked that commissioners authorize the Civil Service Commission to conduct examinations and create a new list of qualified candidates to fill anticipated vacancies. The motion passed unanimously.