(8/24) Liberty Township residents are experiencing leadership changes within their municipality. During their July meeting, supervisors accepted the resignations of Supervisor Brandon Lowe and Police Chief Don Boehs.

Voters chose Lowe to represent them in 2021. The Republican was the only resident to run for the position in the Primary and General elections. The lifelong Fairfield-area resident replaced longtime Supervisor Bob Jackson.

Lowe attended the July meeting but did not comment on his resignation. Supervisor Chair Walter "Mickey" Barlow said Lowe plans to move out of the area, making him ineligible to hold the supervisor position.

"Thank you for standing up and taking the position of Liberty Township supervisor," Barlow said. "I wish you the best."

The board then unanimously appointed Chris Hill to replace Lowe. The board did not comment on Hill’s qualifications for the job. Pennsylvania’s Second Class Township Code states supervisors must fill a vacancy within 30 days. The code does not require them to advertise for the position.

Supervisors hired Boehs as their chief in December 2022 after Chief Sherri Hansen resigned. Boehs previously worked for the township as a part-time officer, a job he is returning to at a rate of $23.92 per hour. Barlow said Boehs’ resignation as chief was effective June 14. Supervisors did not comment on the reason for his decision.

Boehs moved to Adams County in 2006 when he was hired as chief of the Cumberland Township Police Department. He held that position until February 2022 and has also worked for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Gettysburg Borough Police Department. Prior to moving to Adams County, Boehs worked for the Lower Gwynedd Township Police Department in Montgomery County, where he rose to the rank of first sergeant.

Supervisors unanimously named Officer Terry DeWitt the department's officer-in-charge at a rate of $30 per hour. Barlow said DeWitt will hold the position for at least six months. DeWitt has worked in nearby Washington Township, Franklin County, Gettysburg Borough, and Latimore Township in Adams County. He was first hired by Liberty in March.

During his monthly report, DeWitt told the supervisors he is seeking additional part-time officers to assist the department with patrols. Supervisors plan to hire Officer Ryan Morris, Barlow said.

In other business, the township approved a $47,216 contract with AAA Paving of Waynesboro to replace pipes on Bullfrog Road. The company’s bid was the lowest of four submitted.