FERGUSON TOWNSHIP — Ferguson Township officials recently announced that Lt. Dan Lewis is retiring from the Ferguson Township Police Department. Former State College Borough Police Chief Tom King has been named as interim chief until a permanent chief is named.
While at Ferguson Twp., Lewis served as an officer and union president, detective, and most recently as Lieutenant. He developed the police department’s cell phone forensic investigation program, a regional asset and subject in which he is a leader in the field.
Since an initial meeting with Lewis and King on July 18, and following an agreement between the township and Tom King Law Enforcement Consulting Services executed on Aug . 5, King has been providing professional consulting services to Ferguson Township. These services include evaluating and assisting the department’s accreditation program, meeting periodically with Lewis and Township Manager Centrice Martin to discuss administrative and operational matters and supporting the Human Resources Department with the ongoing police chief recruitment process.
King will serve as interim head of the police department beginning in mid-November. King is a retired State College Borough Police Chief with more than 35 years of law enforcement and executive leadership experience and has been advising the township throughout the current recruitment process.
Final interviews we held Oct. 13 and Oct. 14. The four remaining candidates participated in structured interviews with three panels representing the township’s leadership team, regional law enforcement and municipal leaders, and a community panel comprised of Ferguson Township residents.
Martin emphasized the Township’s continued commitment to a transparent and inclusive selection process:
“We’re grateful for Tom King’s willingness to step in during this important period. His extensive experience in community policing and executive leadership will provide valuable continuity as the township completes the police chief recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high standard of professionalism and service that our community expects.”
Operations within the police department will continue without interruption. All external inquiries may be directed to the township manager’s office or human resources department.
