|
|
Lawrence thanked officials, fellow officers, his family and former chief, Carmen Pettine, for their support.
"I have some big shoes to fill," he said, "and am glad to have the opportunity to do so."
According to Council Chairman Joseph Prestia, Lawrence's prior position as "deputy chief," will be filled in the near future; testing and evaluations are currently in progress.
Lawrence has had an extensive and successful career in law enforcement starting in 1980 when he joined the Metro Police Department in Washington, DC, where he was assigned to patrol duty, and then to the Plain Clothes Unit.
In 1987 he left Washington and became a member of Plymouth Township Police Department starting out as a Patrolman.
He continued to advance as a narcotics detective, then criminal detective, before being promoted to detective sergeant, and again, was promoted to deputy chief in June of 2003 and now chief of police as of Aug. 11.
Born and raised in Norristown, Lawrence graduated from Bishop Kenrick High School in 1973 and joined the Navy Seabees where he spent seven years on active duty, assisting with the evacuation of Vietnam.
His father was the late Francis J. Lawrence Sr., a district judge in town, and his mother, Mary (Brady) Lawrence is a retired registered nurse.
He has three brothers, Chris, a contractor, Francis Jr. a district judge, and Kevin, a Catholic priest in Philadelphia, and a sister Cathy a finance director for Montgomery County.
The chief attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., in 2005; he is a member of the International Chiefs of Police Association, Delaware Valley Association of Professional Police Officials, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, FBI National Academy Associates, Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association and the Montgomery County FOP, Lodge No. 14.
Lawrence resides in Bridgeport with his wife, and together they have six children and six grandchildren, with one more due in November.
His daughter Shanna Hennessy and husband Mike live in Pottstown with their three children; his son Steve is a Lt. Commander with the US Navy and lives in Washington with his wife Kristen (Becht), and their three children, and his son Joe, a former Marine, works in Norristown and lives in Philadelphia.
Lawrence's stepson Joel works and lives in Staten Island, NY, his stepdaughter Deanna, a member of the Naval Reserves, lives in San Diego, Ca., and his stepdaughter Laura, still living at home, attends the Philadelphia Institute of the Arts for Culinary Art.
There were many police department officers in the audience for the swearing-in ceremony, including Police Chiefs' James Dougherty of Conshohocken, Joseph Clayborne, West Conshohocken, Eileen Behr, Whitemarsh Township and former Plymouth Police Chief Carmen Pettine and his wife, along with fire department personal, township staff and officials, relatives and friends, all sharing in the occasion.
Also on the agenda was a tribute to Karen L. Franck, Plymouth Township Parks & Recreation Director, in the audience with husband Jeff.
Franck has served the Plymouth Township Parks and Recreation Department, faithfully, since Aug. 1, 1988. Karen B. Weiss, Plymouth Township Manager/Secretary read the resolution: "Plymouth Township Council desires to formally recognize the diligent and valuable service rendered by Karen L. Franck and publicly express its appreciation. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Karen L. Franck is congratulated for completion of 20 years of service with the Plymouth Township Parks and Recreation Department.
Weiss described her as "amazing," as she presented her with the plaque; as council members and the audience applauded her efforts.
As the meeting continued, council voted in favor of purchasing a "logging recorder" for the police department at a cost of $22,000. The Naraacissa Road Sewer Bid Award was tabled for further discussion and follow up.
Plymouth Meeting Monthly Society of Friends request for a fee waiver and certification of appropriateness to reroute the back of the meeting house, were approve by council vote.
A first consideration to establish an Environmental Advisory Board Ordinance of five members, serving three-year terms, was approved by council members. The board would be responsible for conservation and quality of environment and identifying problems that may exist in the township.
During audience participation, a puddle of water in the area of Fulton Street, for 20 years, was brought to council's attention by local residents.
This is the only place that is not hooked up to the sewer, it was pointed out, and draws a lot of mosquitoes. Prestia noted the township was not aware of the problem and advised them to give the information to Karen Weiss, who will check it out.
Councilman Vincent Gillen suggested looking into providing a "shuttle bus service," in the township, primarily for senior citizens, which will also be followed up by Weiss.
The next Plymouth Township Council Meeting is a workshop session on Monday, Sept. 8, followed by the regular meeting on Sept. 15. Both start at 7:30 p.m. and are open to the public.
