Peters Townshp names new police chief
McMURRAY – Douglas Grimes, Peters Township’s deputy police chief, will become chief effective Aug. 1.
Grimes, a veteran of the state police, joined the Peters Township department on Sept. 1. He will replace Chief Harry Fruecht, who is retiring at the end of September.
When Grimes takes over the department’s top post, Fruecht will step into a support role, said Michael Silvestri, township manager.
The announcement was made at Monday’s township council meeting.
To replace the opening created by Grimes’ promotion, Silvestri said the township has started interviewing candidates and hopes to fill the deputy chief position as soon as possible.
Silvestri, who has been with the township for more than 40 years, is retiring Aug. 26. His position will be filled by Paul Lauer, the township’s longtime assistant manager.
To fill Lauer’s position, council hired Ryan Jeroski, assistant manager and secretary of Oakmont Borough. Jeroski, who has a master’s degree in public and nonprofit management from the University of Pittsburgh, will start June 6, said Silvestri, adding the township interviewed three candidates for the position.
Earlier this year, the township hired Joseph Hursen as its new director of public works. Hursen, who has already started his new position, replaces Peter Overcashier, who is retiring in July.
In other business, council awarded a contract to Masco Construction of Canonsburg at a cost of $461,475 to replace its amphitheater in Peterswood Park.
The current stage, built in 1988, has deteriorated to the point that its structural integrity has been compromised.
Peters officials had considered replacing the entire structure, but could not justify the expense and could not get enough grant money for the project. Instead, the township will replace the amphitheater with a pre-engineered structure as a framework around the outdoor stage, and new restrooms will be built.
Michelle Harmel, township parks and recreation director, said construction will begin this summer. The entire project will be completed in time to hold outdoor concerts next summer.