HELLERTOWN, Pa. — The borough’s mayor and council are expressing support for Interim Police Chief Dominick Fragano, who was the subject of a vote of no-confidence last month by the police rank-and-file.
Officers of the Hellertown Police Association took a unanimous vote of no confidence in Fragano on Jan. 16, according to the association president, Officer John Donato.
Fragano last Oct. 6 was appointed to temporarily lead the department following the resignation of former Chief Robert Shupp amid payroll “discrepancies.”
In December, Shupp was charged with forgery, theft and related crimes, accused of stealing more than $122,000 from the borough.
Donato informed officials of the no-confidence vote during the public comment period of borough council’s Feb. 5 meeting, along with association Vice President Kevin McCartney and association Treasurer Detective Mike Dattilio.
'Complete confidence'
During his comments, Donato did not specify reasons for the no-confidence vote, and he did not return messages from LehighValleyNews.com seeking comment.
Borough officials also have not elaborated on the matter. Fragano did not return a message, either.
After Donato's remarks last week, council voted to go behind closed doors in an executive session to discuss "personnel."
Council members emerged about a half-hour later, and Mayor David Heintzelman read a prepared statement.
Heintzelman said the borough has “complete confidence” in Fragano, and officials await the results of an “assessment of the police department” from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.
“The Chiefs of Police Association will make recommendations to which the borough will act upon and enforce. This council will listen to the experts and not self-serving officers with personal agendas.”Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman
“As part of this process, the Chiefs of Police Association have interviewed each and every officer; so they will each have input into this study,” Heintzelman said.
“The Chiefs of Police Association will make recommendations to which the borough will act upon and enforce. This council will listen to the experts and not self-serving officers with personal agendas.”
'Change is always difficult'
On Wednesday, Heintzelman said the Chiefs of Police Association study was launched in January following the situation surrounding Shupp's departure.
"They have to gather their thoughts, and then they're going to come back and explain to us what we need in our current setting for the betterment of the community," Heintzelman said of the association's consulting.
"It's the only way that we can stay positive."
Heintzelman said he would not get into details about the police association's issues with Fragano.
He added the department is looking to hire a permanent chief in "the next few months."
For those concerned about conflict within the borough police force, Heintzelman said he had this to say:
"Change is always difficult, but we've hired the best of the best, and we will be better and stronger for it."
