Chief of Police - Gettysburg Borough PA

Job Description

Become the Next Chief of Police of Gettysburg Borough

Providing Steady Leadership for a Community of History and Progress

Gettysburg Borough, located in Adams County, Pennsylvania, is seeking a steady, progressive, and community-focused Chief of Police. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned law enforcement professional to lead in one of America’s most historic communities—known around the world as a symbol of sacrifice and national identity—while guiding a modern police department into its next chapter of service.

The next Chief will inherit a dedicated and capable team of officers who are committed to their community. What the department needs now is a leader who can provide clear structure, consistency, and vision. The Borough seeks an individual who brings presence and professionalism. Someone who communicates effectively, makes sound and timely decisions, and fosters unity within the department while building bridges with Borough Leadership and the wider community.

This role also requires a deep appreciation for Gettysburg’s unique setting. Each year, the Borough welcomes millions of visitors drawn to its historic landmarks, while at the same time serving a vibrant residential population that includes the students and faculty of Gettysburg College. The next Chief must balance these dual responsibilities, ensuring both public safety during large-scale tourism events and attentive, responsive service to residents and students who call Gettysburg home.

The ideal candidate will understand that effective policing here means more than law enforcement. It means visible leadership, community presence, and an ability to navigate diverse perspectives with fairness and integrity. This is a position for a leader who can honor Gettysburg’s past, respond to its present needs, and prepare the department for the future.

About Gettysburg Borough

Gettysburg Borough is a community where history and modern life intersect. Known worldwide as the site of one of the Civil War’s most decisive battles and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the Borough carries a legacy that shapes its identity and draws millions of visitors each year. At the same time, it is a living, thriving community with its own rhythm, needs, and aspirations.

Gettysburg’s year-round population is a blend of long-term residents, small business owners, and the vibrant student community of Gettysburg College. This dynamic creates a unique character. Lifelong residents contribute to the Borough’s continuity and civic traditions, while the College brings cultural diversity, energy, and a large student-resident population that shapes daily life. The result is a community that is both rooted and evolving. One where public safety leadership must understand and balance varied expectations.

The Borough also stands at the crossroads of tradition and growth. On any given day, officers may be managing the flow of visitors through historic sites, ensuring neighborhood quality of life for residents, and responding to the needs of students and faculty on or off campus. This balance of tourism, higher education, and community life gives Gettysburg a distinct identity that few other municipalities share.

The Gettysburg Borough Police Department plays a central role in this environment. A full-service, 24 / 7 agency, it is staffed by dedicated officers who value professionalism, accountability, and visible presence. The department is built on a strong foundation of service and community trust, and it is supported by the Mayor and Borough Council, who view public safety as essential to the Borough’s success.

Key Qualifications :

Gettysburg Borough is seeking a proven law enforcement professional who combines executive-level leadership with a deep commitment to community service. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader who can bring steady structure to a strong department while engaging authentically with residents, students, visitors, and Borough officials.

• Experience
• Minimum of ten (10) years of service as a certified law enforcement officer.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible supervisory or managerial experience (command-level or higher strongly preferred).
• Education and Professional Development
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred; command-level training and education may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Graduation from an executive-level program such as the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, or Southern Police Institute is highly desirable
• Certification and Eligibility
• Pennsylvania Act 120 certification required, or ability to obtain within one year of appointment.
• Must possess, or be eligible for, a valid Pennsylvania Class C driver’s license.
• Ability to pass comprehensive background, physical, and psychological examinations.
• Leadership and Skills
• Strong presence, clear communication, and sound decision-making in complex situations.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop internal talent, fostering professionalism and unity.
• Knowledge of modern police administration, community-oriented policing, and best practices in supervision and discipline.
• Proven experience in budgeting, grants, and responsible fiscal management.
• Ability to navigate a unique community environment that includes year-round residents, a large student-resident population, and significant historic tourism.

Salary and Benefits :

The salary for this position ranges from $90,000 to 100,000, based on experience, and is

accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.

Your Impact :

As Chief of Police in Gettysburg Borough, you will have the opportunity to guide a dedicated department that serves one of the most historically significant and vibrant communities in the nation. The role requires a leader who brings structure, clear direction, and a spirit of collaboration. Someone who will support officers in their work while partnering closely with the community and Borough leadership.

This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to guide a department in one of the nation’s most recognized communities, where history, higher education, and tourism converge. The Chief of Police will be entrusted with shaping how Gettysburg is experienced every day, building trust at every level, and ensuring public safety remains a cornerstone of community life.

How to Apply :

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to info@aspirantllc.com. Application Deadline : December 1, 2025, by 11 : 59 PM.

Gettysburg Borough is an Equal Opportunity Employer.