EMMAUS, Pa. — In the span of about 20 minutes, Emmaus Borough Council recognized the retirement of a longstanding fire chief, and swore in a new police officer.
Fire Chief John H. Price announced his retirement in September after serving the borough for eight years — 47 years as a firefighter in all.
The new police officer is Matthew James Hutchins, who provided an oath of allegiance and was met with a standing ovation from a room full of family and new colleagues Monday night.
Matthew James Hutchins
Hutchins is a Schnecksville native and a graduate of the Allentown Police Academy.
He started with the academy last year, but tore the ACL in his knee during training. He was able to return this year and complete the academy program in June.
For his mother, Gloria Hutchins, the setback made Monday's swearing-in ceremony even more meaningful.
"I'm so proud," she said. "Especially because of the situation he was in. In the previous year, he went through the Allentown Police Academy and halfway through, tore his ACL ...
"We're proud that he is on the Emmaus police force. We're proud of him for that. It's good department. He's excited as well."
"Helping kids, being out in the community, talking to different families of all different nationalities, and being able to interact with the community in every way I possibly can."Matthew James Hutchins, on why he's excited to be a police officer
"There was a time when we didn't know he would actually become a police officer," said Matt's father, Joe Hutchins. "It's exciting for him and exciting for us. So we're very proud of him."
Matt Hutchins said he wanted to be a police officer since he was a child. One of the most appealing parts of his new career is the community outreach, he said.
"I finally took the initiative to do it this past year, and, just helping kids, being out in the community, talking to different families of all different nationalities, and being able to interact with the community in every way I possibly can," he said.
Hutchins owns a Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle and a Kawasaki. He said he didn't want to get ahead of himself, but definitely has an interest in the motorcycle division for his future in law enforcement.
"Anything that the department would want me to do, or hopefully want me to eventually get up to," he said. "That could possibly be detective, canine unit. I know they have a motorcycle unit, and also commercial vehicles, which I'm very interested in."
The split second Hutchins lowered his hand after taking the oath, one of his colleagues jokingly shouted from the back of the room: "Now get to work!"
John H. Price
Price's retirement marks the end of 47 years of service. He joined Emmaus in 2016 after retiring as deputy chief and fire marshal with the Easton Fire Department.
Price was handed two framed keepsake plaques, each containing memorabilia from his time as the Emmaus chief and director of emergency services.
One displayed various embroidered insignia from his duty kit. The other held newspaper clippings and a fidget spinner toy.
"It's been a pleasure. Thank you to everybody for the opportunity you've given me."Retiring Emmaus Fire Chief John Price
When asked about the fidget spinner, Price said: "It was always on my desk, and I never took it home. So now I'm taking it home."
Judging by the laughs from his colleagues when asked about it, the fidget spinner appears to be a running joke in the fire hall.
Price went up to each and every council member and shook their hands. Addressing them in a quiet speaking voice, he gave a warm thank-you.
"It's been a pleasure. Thank you to everybody for the opportunity you've given me," he said.
"I wish everybody well, and please ignore the pleas from my wife."
