Spring Township police Chief Adam Salyards reads during the 2025 Centre County Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony as part of National Police Week on May 14, 2025.
Abby Drey
adrey@centredaily.com
Spring Township needs a new police chief after its top law enforcement officer submitted his resignation, closing out a decadeslong career in the field.
Former Chief Adam Salyards’ resignation will be effective July 31, though his last day in the department was July 9. Township Manager Mike Danneker told the Centre Daily Times the township’s three supervisors unanimously approved Salyards’ resignation last week.
He led the department since May 2021. In his resignation letter, Salyards said he was retiring from law enforcement.
“It is with mixed emotions that I submit my resignation as Chief of Police for Spring Township. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served this community over the past five years,” Salyards wrote. “During my tenure, I have witnessed the township and the police department grow and improve in countless ways, thanks to your unwavering support and commitment to public safety.”
Danneker described Salyards as a professional who “did everything he needed to do.” Prior to taking the job at Spring Township, he was employed by State College police. His public safety career spanned 30 years.
Salyards expressed appreciation to the supervisors, Danneker and the eight-member police department in his resignation letter. He said it was an honor to work alongside them and he was grateful to finish his career with Spring Township police.
“I wish nothing but continued success for the township and the police department as you move forward,” Salyards wrote. “Thank you for the trust, support, and partnership you have shown me throughout my service.”
When it came to his biggest accomplishments, Salyards counted opening a new police station, modernizing the department’s evidence management system, and upgrading camera and safety equipment among them.
He also took pride in bringing National Night Out to Centre County, assisting in the development of the Centre County Threat Management Team and revamping specialized positions within the department.
Salyards said his next chapter will be in the “business world.”
“It has been a tremendous career filled with great memories and meaningful experiences,” Salyards said in a text message to the CDT. “Along the way, I have had the privilege of working with and learning from so many incredible people. I have been truly blessed to serve the communities where I have worked throughout my career.”
As the township works toward a full-time replacement, officer Shane Dickey was appointed “Officer in Charge.” He’s the department’s longest-tenured officer, having started in July 2004.
The township’s supervisors also promoted Luke Nelson to sergeant and moved Christopher Snare into the detective position. Each began their new roles Monday, Danneker said.
Four of the five municipal police departments in Centre County have seen turnover in their chief position in the past six years. Patton Township’s police department, led by Chief Tyler Jolley for nearly the past nine years, is the exception.
Bellefonte police Chief Bill Witmer has been in the role for nearly two years, while State College and Ferguson Township each welcomed new police chiefs in January.
The waiting area for the Spring Township Police Department station on Sept. 10, 2025. Abby Drey adrey@centredaily.com
This story was originally published July 16, 2026 at 1:27 PM.
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Bret Pallotto primarily reports on courts and crime for the Centre Daily Times. He was raised in Mifflin County and graduated from Lock Haven University.