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Mayor declares July 1 'Chris Yarns Day' as borough honors retiring police chief
Summary
Mayor Harry Kelly read a proclamation honoring Chief Chris Yarns for more than three decades of public service, citing his 1990 start with the department, appointment as chief in 2014, and early adoption of in-car and body-worn cameras. Residents and officials offered praise during public comment.
Mayor Harry Kelly read a proclamation at the July 1 Grove Arts Summit meeting declaring the day “Chris Yarns Day” in the borough, honoring the retiring police chief’s decades of service.
The proclamation summarized Yarns’ public‑service path, noting that he joined the department in November 1990, was appointed officer in charge in 2013 and named chief in April 2014, and helped secure grant funding for police vehicles and the deployment of in‑car and body‑worn cameras. “We thank you for your leadership, your sacrifice, and your steadfast commitment to this community,” the mayor read as part of the proclamation.
During public comment, resident David Vinaldi praised Yarns for facilitating a “seamless transition” when Clarks Summit began using the Clarks Summit Police Department for borough patrols after a 2016 vote. “He’s a wonderful man,” Vinaldi said, thanking the chief for his service and his presence at local meetings.
Council members and attendees applauded and took photographs after the proclamation. The council also authorized a police‑association purchase of a retirement gift for Yarns during consent items later in the meeting.
The council’s proclamation and the public thanks leave the borough with a formal recognition of Yarns’ tenure and a scheduled retirement celebration and memorabilia handled by the police association.
