Local history 50 years ago: October 10, 1973 The Juniata Civic Association, Chester Martz president, held a 35th anniversary banquet at the Juniata Pavilion
If it’s better to show than tell, Tuesday’s news conference introducing the Altoona Police Department’s first K9 officers since the 1990s was successful.
bkibler@altoonamirror.com
City Council approved a separation agreement with former Manager Ken Decker on Monday, then appointed acting Manager Omar Strohm as Decker’s permanent replacement.
Decker will receive six months’ severance pay on his $132,000-a-year salary, health coverage and retirement contributions for that period and compensation for vacation and personal days he has accumulated, according to solicitor Tom Finn.
Strohm will receive a $25,000 raise, bringing his salary to $125,000.
Decker was placed on paid administrative leave in early April for unspecified reasons, although they were not because of any illegal actions, Finn has said.
As they have before, council members declined to say why they let Decker go.
Freehling
Operation Our Town on Thursday presented its top award to recently retired Altoona Police Chief Janice Freehling.
The Community Partnership Award is presented annually to Blair County law enforcement individuals who have demonstrated their commitment toward making the community a safe place to live and raise families.
“I congratulate Chief Freehling for all of your years of service and hours of support to Operation Our Town. She is someone who always had the right response to crimes,” said Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks.
Freehling, Altoona’s first female police chief, retired March 1 after 44 years in law enforcement, the last 20 years as chief.
ifredregill@altoonamirror.com
After 44 years in law enforcement, Altoona’s first female police chief, Janice Freehling, is retiring Monday, leaving a legacy of cultivating leaders and building community relationships.
“I plan to relax and enjoy it,” Freehling said. “I have my kitchen to remodel, and I want to travel to Colorado, Arizona and Texas but my first stop will be the beach.”
While her father, Calvin Johnston, wanted her to pursue a career in teaching like her sisters, Freehling said her mother, Margery, proudly stood behind her daughter’s decision to enter law enforcement in 1977.
“I get all my determination from my mother,” Freehling said, explaining she admired her mother’s late-in-life decision to transition from homemaker to health care professional.