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Lehigh Township accepts chief’s resignation, promotes officer and approves police contract settlement
Summary
The board accepted Chief Scott Fogel’s resignation, approved a $1.75 million separation agreement item raised in public comment, promoted Officer Jonathan Roth to sergeant (one‑year probation) and approved a four‑year police contract. Sergeant John Henry will serve as officer‑in‑charge while a new chief is sought.
The Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors accepted the resignation and separation agreement of Police Chief Scott Fogel and voted to approve a Police Contract Settlement Agreement covering 2026–2029, the board said at its Aug. 12 meeting.
The board also promoted Officer Jonathan Roth to the rank of sergeant after Sergeant John Henry recommended the move. Roth completed the department’s promotional process—“a written test, two interviews, and an in‑depth scenario,” Henry said—and was cited for service with the department since 2005, K9 duties since 2019, coordination of the DUI program and work as a crash reconstructionist. Janet Sheats moved to promote Roth to sergeant, subject to a one‑year probationary period; Jerry Pritchard seconded. The motion carried with four ayes and one no vote from Cindy Miller. Roth’s wife Alexis and daughter Sophia presented him with his badge.
A letter of resignation from Chief Scott Fogel, effective Aug. 1, 2025, was presented to the board. The board voted to accept the resignation and the separation agreement. Resident Paul Nikisher raised concerns in public comment about a reported $1.75 million settlement and said it “would appear as though there was some type of admission of guilt.” Trustee Jerry Pritchard responded that the settlement was recommended by the township’s insurance company to limit potential costs, and Attorney David Backenstoe said consultants had been retained to review department practices.
Per department policy, Sergeant John Henry will serve as the officer‑in‑charge until a new chief is appointed. John Henry described the policy, saying the highest‑ranking senior officer “becomes the officer in charge and will remain in that position until the Chief is replaced.” The board acknowledged questions about interim pay and contract language and said compensation and contract terms would be addressed in the process of hiring a permanent chief.
After a short executive session, the board unanimously approved the Police Contract Settlement Agreement dated July 29, 2025, covering calendar years 2026–2029; Janet Sheats said work by staff, the Police Association and board members helped achieve the agreement.
The department also reported routine operational metrics: Sergeant Henry said the department recorded 486 calls for service in July, 12 reportable accidents, 15 criminal arrests and eight people processed through the Booking Center. Henry said the department hopes to learn the outcome of a COPS grant application by the end of October.
The board took no immediate action on filling the permanent chief position; the officer‑in‑charge arrangement will remain in place while the board and staff consider next steps.
