Kiski Township part-time police officer takes another job; chief interviewing more officers

One of two new part-time Kiski Township police officers is leaving as the township tries to rebuild the department after an exodus of employees earlier in the month.

Four police officers and a police secretary resigned July 7 and 8. Most of the employees said they quit because of harassment by supervisors and a hostile work environment. Supervisors hired new police new Chief Lee Bartolicius on July 6.

On Tuesday, a recently hired part-time police officer, Daniel Clark, confirmed he has taken a different job and won’t be working for the township.

“I think the new chief is a nice and knowledgeable man,” he added.

The township has come under fire from some residents and others for the loss of 24-7 local police coverage for the township and North Apollo this month.

State police are covering the communities, as well as a reconstituted township police department.

Kiski Township’s police force is made up of Bartolicius, a full-time schools officer and one new part-time officer.

“I am as concerned and passionate about police coverage as the residents are,” Bartolicius said.

Kiski Township is providing some police coverage six out of seven days a week, he said.

This week, Bartolicius interviewed three new police officer candidates.

If he secures the proper background checks and other clearances, township supervisors could vote on the new hires as early as their next meeting Aug. 3, he said.

He plans to rebuild the department for 24-7 coverage and to “put it in better shape than before I took it on.”

Related:

• 5 members of Kiski Township Police Department resign, claiming harassment, intimidation

• Kiski Township police cite ‘hostile work environment’ in resignation letters

• Kiski Township supervisors hire 2 part-time officers as officials rebuild force after resignations