Ligonier Valley Police Commission fires chief after last week's raid at the police station

Members of the Ligonier Valley Police Commission on Tuesday fired Chief John Berger in response to a raid at the department last week that Solicitor Mark Sorice said focused solely on the force’s now former leader.

The five-member commission, composed of elected officials from Ligonier and Ligonier Township and one at-large representative, voted unanimously to terminate him.

“It’s unfortunate that we’re faced with this current situation,” said Commissioner Stephanie Verna, a township supervisor. “Based on my interactions with our current officers … this is not representative of our department or these officers. We’re very fortunate to have them, and they’re a fabric of this community.”

According to Sorice, the police commission was looking to the future in making the move to terminate Berger and appoint Mike Matrunics, who had been assistant chief, as the leader of the force.

“We have to address the integrity of the department. We have to reassure the public that one man’s troubles do not interfere with the operation of this department,” Sorice said after the meeting. “John Berger is not able to continue in that particular capacity with this cloud hanging over him, and we need action now. We can’t wait.”

The police station was the site of a raid Thursday by state police and agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They seized his personal cellphone and his police vehicle. Berger was placed on paid administrative leave in the immediate aftermath.

Ligonier officials said they do not know the circumstances behind the raid. Police have not offered any details about the investigation other than to say it is ongoing.

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Berger’s attorney, Mike Ferguson, said rumors surrounding the situation seem to be outweighing the facts. Berger has not been charged with a crime.

“I have no comment other than to say the entire situation’s unfortunate, and I think it’s far too early in the investigation to reach or draw any conclusions,” he said.

About 70 people packed into the Ligonier Township building for the police commission’s meeting Tuesday looking for answers.

Several people addressed the board, many expressing support for the department and its officers, while others shared frustration in dealing with the force in past experiences.

Many discussed opposition to shutting down the department, which was not an issue before the board. Sorice said he didn’t know where that idea came from.

Township resident Jim Nieusma said the police force was one of the reasons why he decided to move into the area.

“We don’t hang the whole department on one investigation,” he said.

Judy Ebberts, a township resident and volunteer with Waterford Fire Department, said the department is an asset. She said officers respond quickly to crash scenes where the two agencies work together.

“No profession … is immune from bad actors,” she said.

Sorice commended the encouragement from audience members. Several police officers were present at the meeting.

“These officers need your support,” he said.

Two residents who attended the meeting said about 20 police cars converged on a home on Ross Road in the township last week. They believe the situation was connected to the search at the police department.

“All I know is it was a raid,” said Tina Schultheis, who said she lives nearby.

Sorice said he was confident that Berger is the only officer under investigation because the only items subject to the warrant belonged to the former chief. Berger was an “at-will” employee and, as such, could be discharged for a variety of reasons.

”Most of what had to happen was his own doing. Most of what had happened, he set in motion,” Sorice said.

Sorice is doing his own internal investigation of the department’s operations. He said law enforcement officers have a duty to uphold the law.

”There cannot be any deviation from that particular standard,” he said. “The public demands that. Any cloud associated with that and his performance or ability — that has to be removed.”