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Stafford Council approves Chief Russell Griffin’s contract, swears in six police promotions
Summary
Stafford Township adopted a four-year employment contract for Russell Griffin as chief of police and approved several promotions in the police department, then recessed for a swearing-in ceremony that was livestreamed on Facebook.
The Stafford Township Council voted on May 26 to authorize an employment agreement with Russell Griffin as Chief of Police for the term June 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2029, while also approving a slate of promotions across the police department and swearing in new leaders.
Councilman Joseph Esposito moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-181, and Council President Owen LaRocca seconded the motion. The roll call showed one abstention: “Councilwoman Otte abstained; all other present members voted yes,” resulting in adoption of the contract with Griffin. The contract, included in meeting materials, sets the chief’s base salary and outlines responsibilities, a flex-time bank, leave entitlements, and benefits consistent with Township personnel practices.
The meeting record and subsequent Schedule A show personnel moves approved under Resolutions 2026-182 and 2026-183, including promotions to captain, lieutenant, sergeant and patrol ranks. The council recessed for a 30-minute swearing-in ceremony on the courthouse lawn to formally install Captain Morrin, Lieutenant Costello, Sergeants Wade and Kunder, and Patrolmen Hart and Sura; the event was livestreamed on the Township’s Facebook page.
The contract adopted at the meeting details the chief’s duties (department administration, discipline and monthly reporting), a four-year term, and salary provisions. The council’s action included a roll-call record: LaRocca Yes; Mower Absent; Otte Abstain; Esposito Yes; DarConte Yes; Fossa Yes; Mayor Henken Yes.
Next steps: the contract takes effect immediately upon execution. The council recorded the formal adoption in the meeting minutes and filed the agreement with the municipal clerk. No disciplinary or operational changes were voted on at the meeting beyond the personnel appointments recorded in the resolutions.
