Lack of local police a surprise to some in Freeport

The news of no local police protection came as a surprise Saturday to many Freeport businesses.

The borough hasn’t had a police officer on duty since Nov. 3, when the newly hired police chief quit at the end of his first shift.

“I’m shocked,” Fifth Street Bistro owner Jess Stobert said. “I think it’s kind of funny (he quit after the first day).”

Retired Plum police Sgt. Matthew Feldmeier, 58, was hired as chief Nov. 1 and was sworn in that night by Mayor James Swartz Jr. He was the only applicant for the $53,500-a-year job.

Feldmeier briefly replaced Eric Belton, who resigned late last month after six years in Freeport to take a job with Plum police. Former Freeport Officer Chris Kovacs left in October after joining the South Buffalo Township police.

Belton joined the Freeport force in November 2015 and served as chief for more than a year. Kovacs worked for the borough for four years.

“They came in to eat here and everything,” Stobert said of the former officers. “They were nice guys. I was looking forward to the new guy, and now we don’t have a new guy.”

The only other police officer on the borough’s roster is Terry Lucas, a part-timer who also works as a police officer at a hospital in Pittsburgh.

But Mayor James Swartz Jr. said Lucas hasn’t worked a shift for the borough in nearly five months because of the demands of his other job.

Feldmeier participated in interviews to fill two open police officer positions for before his resignation.

He has since not responded to multiple messages seeking comment.

State police are handling calls in the 1.3-square-mile borough of about 1,700 residents, officials said.

“I feel very safe here, but definitely concerned about that,” said Frank Amato, owner of Johnny Carpet along Fifth Street. “We’ve never had an issue here with crime.”

The flooring and home improvement shop has been open for about six years.

Amato of Allegheny Township said he routinely saw patrol cars driving around town, and former Chief Jeff Swiklinski was a constant presence in the business district.

He could not understand why an officer would want to leave the borough, especially after one day.

The mayor said Feldmeier gave no indication he was planning to quit. According to the mayor, Feldmeier left a handwritten letter of resignation stating he left “to pursue other interests.”

Lock 5 Tavern owner Matthew Vogan points the blame of having no borough police coverage at the mayor.

“The mayor has everybody running away from him,” Vogan said. “I’m not OK with anything that’s happening in this borough right now. We’re out of control.”

Vogan believes there will be no more Freeport police as long as Swartz is mayor.

Swartz was elected to another four-year term last week.

“He’s an infection that we can’t get rid of,” Vogan said. He praised Belton and thanked him for his service.

Vogan took offense to a comment Swartz made to the Tribune-Review about Feldmeier’s short time in town.

“I told him where the bars were located and that, truthfully, this is a quiet little town,” Swartz said he told Feldmeier. “So I think he pretty well knew what the job was about.”

Vogan felt Swartz’ statement was about his establishment.

“Really, I’m a problem,” Vogan posted on the Lock 5 Facebook page. “No sir, you(’re) the problem.”

Calls to Swartz on Saturday for reaction were not immediately returned.

Other borough residents and business owners declined to comment about the police situation.