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BELLEFONTE -- Following the abrupt and unexplained departure of Bellefonte Borough Police Chief Shawn Weaver, Detective Bill Witmer was appointed in the interim.
Witmer, a relatively new member of the department, will be heading a force in disarray following three resignations that have all been kept discreet by borough officials.
Attempts by The Express and other media outlets requesting comment about the resignations to borough officials have been unanswered.
"After much thought and consideration, I have found it necessary for my overall well being, and for the betterment of the department, to resign my service to the BPD as the Chief of Police effective immediately," said Weaver, who led the department for over 18 years, in his resignation letter which was acquired by the Lock Haven Express through a Right-to-Know request.
The police chief's resignation was preceded by those of two other officers who have stepped down since the start of the year.
Officer Matthew Pollock resigned in February, followed shortly by Officer Jason Brower who was facing termination if he did not relinquish his badge voluntarily.
Brower resigned just hours before the March 18 borough council meeting where his possible termination would have been voted on.
Brower's letter of resignation, which was also obtained by The Express through a Right-to-Know request submitted to the borough, was partially redacted as it relates to "a non-criminal investigation." The redacted material constitutes "information regarding discipline, demotion or discharge contained in a personnel file" according to the borough.
Borough Council President Kent Bernier spent only a few brief moments notifying those in attendance at the March 18 meeting that a letter of resignation was submitted by an officer and did not offer any comment as to its context.
Council made no mention of Weaver's resignation during Monday's public meeting. When asked about the series of resignations, Borough Manager Ralph Stewart refused to comment.
Witmer, who has been with the department since 2017, will be tasked with leading a force that has seen 4 out of 10 of its officers in its patrol unit leave since January.
Bernier is in the process of hiring additional officers to fill the vacancies.