Personnel issues dominated the Gettysburg Borough Council’s May business meeting.
The evening began with Mayor Rita Frealing and Police Chief Robert Glenny honoring Officer Dennis Bievenour, who retired in February. Bievenour joined the force in 2008 and served as a patrol officer, detective, master patrol officer, and intelligence officer.
“Dennis gained the admiration of his officers, mayors, and borough staff for his knowledge and devotion to the borough as a member of the Gettysburg Police Department,” Frealing said.
U.S. Rep. John Joyce recognized Bievenour for his service during a recent ceremony on Lincoln Square, Glenny said.
When the claps celebrating Bievenour ended, a much more serious tone filled council chambers. Borough Manager Charles Gable took to the podium to address his May 3 charge for driving under the influence of alcohol. Gable said it was his first offense and did not affect his job as borough manager.
“To my colleagues on the borough council, I seriously apologize for the distraction this has brought the borough,” Gable said.
Gable said he is applying to the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, a pre-trial diversion program that allows first-time, non-violent offenders to have their charges dismissed and their records expunged after completing a supervised period and specific requirements.
Next, the borough welcomed Zachary Sawdey as its new entry-level patrol officer and police cadet. Sawdey will begin his duties on June 30, 2025.
And as expected, the borough council unanimously approved the resignation of Chief Robert Glenny, who was recently hired to lead the Mechanicsburg Borough Police Department in Cumberland County.
Glenny submitted his resignation effective June 27 but Council President Matthew Moon suggested the motion be altered to change his resignation date to June 8. Moon said Glenny begins his duties in Mechanicsburg on June 9 and council’s labor attorney advised he should not be employed by two departments simultaneously.
Glenny said he hoped to be in the office some days between June 9 and 27 to assist with the transition. He had received permission from his new employer to help Gettysburg during that time, he said.
After making the motion, Moon asked if council can still call him after June 8 if they have questions.
“I will not let the police department fall,” he said.
Glenny drew praise from several council members and Frealing. Councilman Chris Berger commended him for modernizing operations, increasing training, and enhancing event security.
“I think you have been a net positive for the borough,” Berger said.
Frealing said she has often disagreed with the chief but appreciates his willingness to come to a consensus.
Street Changes
The borough also unanimously approved designating Hillcrest Place as a residential parking permit street. During public comment, a resident of the street said parking on the street has been challenging since Gettysburg Area School District started charging for parking at Lincoln Elementary and Gettysburg Area Middle Schools.
The council also unanimously voted to change an area of York Street, at or near Liberty Street, from a two-hour zone to a 12-hour parking zone.
Featured image caption: Gettysburg Borough Mayor Rita Frealing, left, thanks Officer Dennis Bievenour for his service to the borough’s police department.
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.
Can someone please point me to the news story of Congressman John Joyce on the Lincoln Square recognizing Bievenour?