Changing of the Guard at West Norriton Police Department

Two long-standing icons of West Norriton law enforcement – West Norriton Police Chief Robert Adams and Sgt. Joseph Hallman – retired on Monday, Dec 31, and were sent off in style when the entire police force (along with representatives from other township departments and neighboring police departments) escorted both men from their homes for their final ride to the station as police officers.

Once back at the station, Chief Adams (now former) announced that the West Norriton Township Board of Commissioners had decided that in honor of Sgt. Hallman's 44-year commitment to the township, he would be retired as Deputy Chief of Police. Hallman was sworn in on the spot for his final day.

"Is this official?" Hallman asked, after Adams bestowed the deputy chief badge on the man.

After being told it was, Hallman got right to work in his new role.

"OK, this isn't Dunkin' Donuts," he told the crowd of laughing officers in attendance. "Get out there."

Hallman's swearing in ceremony was followed by the swearing in of West Norriton's new chief of police, Dale Mabry, the former deputy chief. Adams presented Mabry with the official badge of the chief, handed down over the years from all four previous chiefs.

Following the official business, the celebration continued, with Mabry giving his first order as the new chief to his newly installed deputy.

"Joe, I'm going on vacation." Mabry joked. "Take over."