Unadilla Township Police Department Celebrates Golden Anniversary

The Unadilla Township police force celebrates 50 years of serving the community. Left to Right; Officer Carr, Officer Hart, Sgt. Gelman, Chief Russell, Officer Tumbarella, Officer Pfeifer, Officer Prater, Officer Boatman, Officer Sloat, and Investigator Hamlin.

by Judy Williams

Unadilla Township residents have had the good fortune to have their own local police department for 50 years. The township officially formed a police department March 19, 1968, with Earnest Clark hired as the first constable and serving until 1978. Constables served as the only peace officers until 1978.

In 1978, the Township hired Larry Owen as its first full time police officer. Constable William Jack McGee assisted. Later, Constables Calvin Sommers, James Bolling and Charles Wertz Owen also assisted Owen. Unadilla Township ended the use of constables in 1985, and swore in Larry Owen as the first Chief of Police at that time.

The department has grown from one officer to a department of three full time officers, three part time officers, four reserve officers and a part time investigator. Police chief David Russell has been on the job, protecting and serving the community, since 2003. A big thank you and congratulations to the dedicated men and women of the Unadilla Township police department.