Real Leadership

Leadership comes in many forms- working towards organizational change and personal growth, tempered with experience in both routine and crisis situations. George has led numerous organizations as a combat platoon leader and senior trainer, senior leadership in several veterans and political organizations, Chief Deputy at the Coroner's Office, and most importantly, chief executive of Hamburg Borough, supervising the Police Department and representing the Borough in media and intergovernmental relations.

George's early career in international banking made me comfortable talking with senior management and CEOs. Additionally, as he rose in my military career, George became an effective trainer and trusted subject matter expert for senior military commanders.

Community Engagement

Focused on connecting with residents and addressing their concerns effectively. Whether it’s bringing happiness to a terminally ill child, celebrating the milestones of our citizens and businesses, or sheltering those forced to leave their homes, George remains steadfast in his commitment to help others. Residents want their concerns heard and taken seriously.

Leadership Vision

George's vision for Hamburg includes growth, safety, and community involvement. He has spent a lifetime building successful teams and leading organizational change. The path forward for Hamburg includes working more closely with public and private partners, municipalities, and community organizations, to achieve common goals.

Remember the Past

It's important to know where you've been to know where you are going. The past informs the present and even the future. A community as old as Hamburg has weathered many storms. We can respect and honor the past while moving forward.

Police Force Supervision

Experienced leader committed to serving Hamburg with integrity and dedication.

'Battle of the Departments' Salvation Army bell ringing

Hamburg Police Department Accomplishments

Responded to over 23 grievances in the first three months. By working with the police union, there have been less than 5 grievances in the subsequent 6 years.
Re-established a Detective unit without any additional expense or manpower.
Updated policy and procedure manual, making it available online for Officers.
Created a motor carrier safety team, decreasing the number of motor carrier-related crashes and incidents.
Obtained arrests and convictions on every major felony under our watch.
Cleared two cold case crimes, one utilizing DNA.
Established a bicycle patrol team.
Participated in the establishment of an emergency response program for critical incidents that occur on Interstate 78. HPD is a key stakeholder in the program.
Re-established a working rapport with the Hamburg Area School District. HPD is currently in negotiations to provide a School Resource Officer to HASD.
Improved relations with HASD led to the creation of a regional planning committee. This initiative brought together local elected officials and stakeholders to create a Joint Comprehensive Plan.
Provided training of officers in medical marijuana.
Advanced and specialized firearms training programs.
Upgraded department firearms and less lethal equipment.
Established a fleet monitoring system through computerized monitoring systems that has resulted in the saving of tax dollars
Updated the departmental uniform to create a more comfortable and softer-looking uniform that also provides cost savings to the municipality.
Helped establish a Mutual Aid Agreement with Tilden Twp.
Formalized enforcement agreements on all controlled properties owned by the Hamburg Municipal Authority and the Borough of Hamburg that are located in municipalities outside the Borough limits.
During the 2018 flood, HPD coordinated the handling of assets into the borough to provide relief to those affected.
Physical security upgrades to the police station.
One of the first police departments in Berks County to establish a Body Camera program.
Spending regularly comes in under budget.
Established internet-based sales of excess unused borough assets, yielding increased revenue for the Borough.
Participation in the Berks County Drug Task Force.
Participation in the County-wide motor carrier enforcement initiative.
Social media presence to open the lines of communication with the community.
Bridge Church policing initiative.
established an in-house dog kennel that is certified by the Commonwealth.
UTV for patrol operations during special events and remote area access.
BLM Protest March. Coordinated and supervised 36 police officers from multiple municipalities to quell potential civil unrest. As a result, there was no loss or damage of property.
Assisted other Berks County police agencies by deployment of assets and personnel to other incidents of civil unrest.
Provided route security for two Presidential motorcades thorough the Borough.
Hosted formal training programs.
Utilized online continuing education for Officers, saving tax dollars
Updated the computerized records program, network servers and remote access.
Computer and camera upgrades at the municipal center and Etchberger Park.
Established new camera systems at the reservoir.
Provide training for officer assigned to evidence custodian.
Provide training of officers to serve as field training officers.
Promoted two supervisors and provide proper supervisory training.
Working to complete accreditation of the Department.
Fleet management plan that replaces aging vehicles with pickup-style special purpose patrol vehicles to enhance police response.

Per the Pennsylvania Borough Code, the Mayor is charged with supervision of the police. Working with the Chief of Police, the Mayor guides policy and direction to develop a more professional and effective police force. This is only possible with the consent and efforts of every Officer. Here are some of the initiatives we have collaborated on: