Police Commission Accepts Chief's Resignation

The accepted the retirement of Chief Michael Weiser Monday night and promoted Sgt. Roger Heins as its interim chief.

will become effective Dec. 31.

"After some thought, I believe it's in the best interests of everyone that I enter into retirement and hope you accept my letter of retirement," Weiser said, before thanking everyone involved.

The commission then went into executive session before naming Heins the force's interim chief.

Dec. 31 unless the police commission agreed to a new contract.

The move comes as the department is heading towards a state of flux concerning its future. Upper Macungie Township has stated its intention to as of Dec. 31, 2012, per the rules of its charter.

Upper Macungie Township currently pays more than $2.6 million for police protection from the . The three other Berks County municipalities covered by the department -- Maxatawny Township, Topton Borough and Lyons Borough -- pay significantly less.

Upper Macungie supervisors want voting rights that are commensurate with the amount of money the township pays versus  the amounts the smaller towns and boroughs shell out. Currently, each municipality has a 25 percent voting interest. The current charter was originally crafted in 2002.

In another matter, Weiser offered an explanation concerning why he didn't report an accident he had earlier this year with another patrol car.

"I backed into another patrol car and decided not to call the State Police and that's within the policy," Weiser said. "I didn't file the proper report and should've handled it differently. I apologize for any inconvenience this caused."

Commissioner Sam Ashmar chided Weiser that the same standard for reporting such incidents should be used for everyone