Former part-timer Jeremiah Boyer moves to full-time position
By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times
Kennett Square Police Officer Jeremiah D. Boyer prepares to be sworn in by Mayor Matt Fetick as his proud 5-year-old daughter Ilana holds the Bible.
When a vacancy occurred in the Kennett Square Borough Police Department this past summer, a part-time officer wanted to fill it; however, the only advantage Officer Jeremiah David Boyer had over outside candidates was possibly a psychological one: He knew the department and knew he wanted the job.
Mayor Matt Fetick explained that unlike the part-time post, the full-time position is governed by the Civil Service Commission. As a result, Boyer had to pass rigorous physical, written and psychological tests – a challenge he met with ease, Fetick said. Boyer’s swearing-in was a highlight of Monday night’s Borough Council meeting. “I love it when one of our part-time officers” succeeds, Fetick said.
Police Chief Edward A. Zunino said that Boyer joined the force as a part-timer last year and that his performance had been exemplary. Outlining Boyer’s qualifications, Zunino said he is a U.S. Army veteran with a master’s degree in education. He has worked as a crisis intervention specialist and counselor and is a certified EMT.
Kennett Square Police Officer Jeremiah D. Boyer (left) poses with a group of officers who came to support him from the Westtown-East Goshen Regional force, where Boyer had also worked as a part-time officer.
Using Boyer’s own words, Zunino said he’s a goal-oriented, family man “focused on being the best he can be and committed to being a lifelong learner.” Zunino said Boyer, who lives in the area with his wife and two children, has deep community roots. Zunino noted that he went to school with Boyer’s father and worked in the police department in the ‘70s with two of Boyer’s relatives: Donald Mayo and John Norton.
Reinforcing the extent of Boyer’s community ties, Borough Council President Leon R. Spencer Jr. recused himself from the unanimous vote to approve Boyer’s hire because they’re distant cousins. “We’re glad to have you as part of the team,” Spencer said later, adding a plea that he gives all officers: “Be safe.”
In other action, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s approval of the countywide Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan, Borough Council adopted its stormwater ordinance after making two changes: one that simplifies the application process for projects under 999 square feet and one that establishes the same peak flow rate standards for redevelopment as well as development projects. Borough Councilman George “Chip” P. Plumley III cast the lone dissenting vote. Plumley said he believed that making the process less stringent for applicants decreased the protection afforded to neighbors.
Council also voted to approve the nearly $11,000 purchase of a new computer network server that will be financed over three years. Borough Manger Brant Kucera explained that the 9-year-old equipment was not budgeted because he had hoped to squeeze one more year out of it; however, an increase in system failures made that plan impractical. Kucera agreed to follow Councilwoman D. Lynn Sinclair’s suggestion to try and sell the old equipment, even if just for scrap.
After resisting the idea for five years, Kucera said he was compelled to accept the importance of social media as a communications tool in today’s world and said the borough now has its own Facebook page. “Comments from the public are welcome,” he said. “It’s another way to get information out about the borough.” To view the page, go to https://www.facebook.com/BoroughofKennettSquare.
Borough Council unanimously approved three special-event applications: the Memorial Day Parade on May 26, the KAY Good-Kids Triathlon on July 13, and Brewfest on Oct. 11. Spencer said he was pleased to see that the upcoming Cinco de Mayo Festival on May 4 will focus on educational opportunities, with multiple colleges and universities represented.
Mary Hutchins, executive director of Historic Kennett Square, reported that the inaugural “Evening of the Arts” held on Friday, April 4, “exceeded expectations.” She said organizers, who had hoped to attract 300 to 500 people to the Genesis building, were delighted when more than 1,000 people attended. She said 31 artists were represented and sold more than $12,000, a third of which will go to Historic Kennett Square. “We look forward to making this an annual event,” she said.
Spencer said on April 27, residents are invited to take a free tour of the Underground Railroad. He said a group would convene at 2 p.m. at the Brandywine Valley Tourism Information Center, which is near the entrance to Longwood Gardens.
After the meeting, Spencer reminded those within earshot that a non-denominational sunrise Easter service would be held on Sunday, April 20, at 6 a.m. on top of the borough’s parking garage. Spencer said the service has been held there for seven or eight years and offers a spectacular vista.
