A longtime State College police officer has been selected to lead the Ferguson Township Police Department.
Matthew Wilson, the borough’s assistant chief since 2017, was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday as Ferguson Township’s next chief of police. He is expected to begin his command of the township police department in January, filling a role that was vacated when John Petrick departed from the position more than a year ago.
“It is an honor and privilege to be selected to serve the Ferguson Township community and police department as the next chief of police,” Wilson said in a statement. “I leave an incredible organization in the State College Police Department with many relationships that have shaped who I am today.”
A 29-year veteran of the borough department, Wilson is a State College native and has resided in Ferguson Township for 25 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Penn State and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.
“Having lived in Ferguson Township for 25 years and working alongside Ferguson Township officers for the last 29 years, I am excited for this opportunity to serve in the community where I reside and for an equally exceptional and professional organization,” Wilson said.
After starting with the State College Police Department as a patrol officer, he rose through the ranks as a sergeant, lieutenant and captain, and has been second-in-command for more than seven years under retiring Chief John Gardner.
“His proven leadership, depth of experience and commitment to community-centered policing make him the right person to guide the Ferguson Township Police Department into its next chapter,” Township Manager Centrice Martin said in a statement.
During his tenure in leadership roles, Wilson has overseen patrol operations, managed personnel and resource deployment, chaired internal review boards, modernized equipment and technology systems, coordinated public safety efforts with a multitude of agencies and cultivated community partnerships.
A township news release credited Wilson as “a champion of modern policing practices,” who has implemented conflict resolution, de-escalation and officer development programs.
“Chief-Select Wilson embodies the professionalism, accountability and community-centered approach that our residents expect and deserve,” Martin said. “I look forward to partnering with him as we continue strengthening our organization, enhancing public trust and supporting FTPD dedicated officers who serve our community every day.”
He was selected from among four finalists after a search that officially began in May. Since Petrick’s departure, Sgt. Shawn Morrison first served as officer-in-charge, followed by Lt. Daniel Lewis. After Lewis’ retirement, the township most recently appointed former State College Police Chief Tom King to serve as interim head of the department until a full-time chief commenced employment.
As Ferguson Township chief, Wilson will oversee a department of 20 full-time sworn officers.
He leaves a department that will also see a leadership change in January. State College on Monday named Joseph Merrill, currently the chief of police in Altoona, as Gardner’s successor leading the borough department.
