Published September 25. 2026 09:06AM

South Whitehall Township commissioners unanimously appointed Stephen G. Brown chief of police during their Sept. 16 meeting.

Brown has served with the South Whitehall Township Police Department since 2007, advancing through a series of supervisory and command positions before becoming captain. He began serving as interim chief in March 2024, assuming responsibility for the overall operation of the department.

Township Manager Tom Petrucci outlined Brown’s career before commissioners considered the resolution appointing him chief.

Brown’s responsibilities have included internal affairs, accreditation, departmental training, community relations, the school resource officer program, policy development, budgeting, grant administration, recruiting and hiring. As the department’s Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission accreditation manager, Brown guided the department through three reaccreditation processes. In June, he received the department’s Chief’s Award and a departmental commendation for bravery.

A Parkland High School graduate, Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in law and society, with a minor in criminal justice, from Penn State University, graduating magna cum laude.

His professional training includes Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, the Pennsylvania State Police Leadership Development Program, Penn State’s Police Executive Development Program and FBI leadership training.

Before beginning his law enforcement career, Brown served in the U.S. Navy as a master-at-arms from 2001 to 2005 and advanced to petty officer second class.

Commissioner Sharon Fehringer-Ricker praised the decision to promote from within the department.

“It’s always considered best practice to hire within an organization,” Fehringer-Ricker said.

Board President Jacob D. Roth spoke about challenges facing law enforcement, including recruitment and officer mental health, as well as challenges specific to South Whitehall Township.

Commissioners approved Brown’s appointment 4-0. Commissioner Diane Kelly was absent.

Brown was then joined by his wife, Angela, and their four daughters for the pinning ceremony.

Following the ceremony, Brown thanked the commissioners for their confidence in him and spoke about the responsibility of leading the department.

He also thanked members of the South Whitehall Township Police Department and emphasized that leadership is a collective effort.

“Policing is ultimately about people,” Brown said.

He concluded by saying he was honored to serve as chief and looked forward to what the department could accomplish together.

PRESS PHOTO BY MICHAEL HIRSCHSouth Whitehall Township commissioners join newly appointed Police Chief Stephen Brown Sept. 16. From left are Commissioner Sharon Fehringer-Ricker, board President Jacob D. Roth, Brown, Commissioner Thomas Johns and Commissioner Glenn Guanowsky.

PRESS PHOTO BY MICHAEL HIRSCHPolice Chief Stephen Brown is joined by his wife, Angela, and four daughters, Savannah, Mackenzie, Avery and Reagan.