Trustees approve promotion of Brian Rebholz to chief and hire Sydney Soarer; both sworn in

At its Dec. 17 meeting the West Chester Township Board of Trustees approved personnel items that promoted Lieutenant Colonel Brian Rebholz to chief of police effective Jan. 1, 2025 and hired Sydney Soarer as a full-time police officer effective Dec. 9, 2024.

The motion to rescind a retire/rehire agreement and promote Rebholz set a biweekly salary of $5,450.20. The board also approved the new hire for Sydney Soarer with a biweekly salary of $3,167.57. The motions to approve personnel items 2–4 were moved, seconded and carried on roll call votes.

Trustees and colleagues praised Rebholz’s long service with the township. The personnel summary distributed at the meeting said Rebholz began his West Chester Township career in 1992, advanced through sergeant, lieutenant and captain ranks, served as assistant chief since February 2016 and had been interim chief since July 1, 2024. The board noted his credentials, including a bachelor’s degree in management, a master’s in justice administration and graduation from the FBI National Academy.

Speaking after the oath, Rebholz said, "What an absolute honor," and thanked the community and the staff standing behind him. Sydney Soarer also recited the oath and affirmed she would "faithfully discharge the duties of police officer of Westchester Township in Butler County."

All votes on the personnel items recorded in the meeting transcript were affirmative. Trustees closed the agenda item by offering congratulations and noting the appointments take effect on the stated dates.

The board did not attach conditions or amendments to the personnel approvals during the meeting. The township’s organizational meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2025.