Watsontown Police Department

The Watsontown Police Department has been proudly serving the Watsontown community since 1867.

Our 24/7 department is currently staffed by six full time officers, and 2 part time officers:

Chief Rodney Witherite, Lieutenant Christopher Snyder, Sergeant Timothy Kiefaber, Patrolman Robert Baker III, Patrolman Geoff Noviello, Patrolman David Podgorney, Patrolman Richard Faux, and Patrolman Joshua Laidacker.

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Watsontown PD, here for you.

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Address: 318 Main Street Watsontown, PA 17777
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Phone: 570-538-2773

FAX: 570-538-3083

Watsontown police department is dispatched through Central Susquehanna Regional 911 Center (CSR-911) non-emergency phone number 570-742-8771. Emergency phone number 911.

Chief Rodney Witherite with Sergeant Timothy Kiefaber and Lieutenant Christopher Snyder

Chief Rodney Witherite with Sampson

Sergeant Timothy Kiefaber and Mariska

Chief Witherite, K9 Mariska & Sergeant Timothy Kiefaber

Patrolman Geoff Noviello and Mayor McClintock and Chief Rodney Witherite

Patrolman David Podgorney with Chief Rodney Witherite

Police K9 Mariska

History of the Watsontown Police Department

In order to carry out the ordinances of the borough and to keep peace within the limits of Watsontown, the borough council would from time to time appoint police officers to maintain law and order. This was particularly true when the community was celebrating and would have large numbers of people visiting the area. These police officers were paid by the hour when they were called and usually one was named chief over the other police. When there was no police officer appointed by the borough council the responsibility of maintaining the status quo fell on the constable who was elected by the citizens each year with the other governing officials. As time progressed there was the transition from Constables and part time police officers to a full time 24/7 Police Department.

July 12, 1880
A petition was read from citizens asking the council to build a lock up and make police regulations for the better protection of the peace in the borough.
July 25, 1881
Work began on the 16’ x 20’ lock up. The total building cost was $717.58.
September 28, 1881
Five men were appointed and sworn in: Henry Kline, Burke Hogue, Isaac Stryker, Charles Bly, and Jerry Mottern.
July 11, 1883
Chief of Police Kline appeared before the council and requested that stars be procured for them. Six police badges were purchased for $7.50.
January 1915
The first police uniforms were purchased.
June 2, 1925
Mr. D. H. Brocious was elected as the Chief of Police
1967
The first woman was hired to serve on the police force. Mrs. Grace Tyson served during the town’s centennial celebration.

Watsontown Borough

Physical address:
318 Main Street
Watsontown, PA 17777

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 273
Watsontown, PA 17777

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Monday through Thursday:
7 am to 5 pm

Friday: 7 am to 4 pm

Phone: 570-538-1000
Fax: 570-538-3353

Watsontown Police Department

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History of the Watsontown Police Department

July 12, 1880

July 25, 1881

September 28, 1881

July 11, 1883

January 1915

June 2, 1925

1967

Watsontown Borough

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