46-Year Police Veteran Mark Schmidt Retires As Upper Makefield Chief

Upper Makefield Township is searching for a new police chief following the retirement of longtime Chief Mark Schmidt, who spent 46 years with the department.

Schmidt retired last week after serving as chief since 1997. He will remain affiliated with the department as chief emeritus.

The township is accepting job applications for the position through Thursday, Sept. 24.

The next chief will be expected to have strong communication, organizational. and analytical skills while managing multiple projects and daily responsibilities. The position will include responsibilities involving community relations, criminal investigations, crime prevention, department training and development, and continued accreditation through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, according to the township’s job posting.

The township hired Resource Management Associates to conduct the search at a cost of $34,335 plus expenses. The company has assisted with the hiring of police chiefs in Bucks County and surrounding counties.

Schmidt joined the Upper Makefield Township Police Department as an officer in 1980 and became chief in 1997.

During his time as chief, he doubled the department’s size to 18 officers, introduced advanced technology and equipment, and pushed continuing training and advanced education for officers, officials said.

One of the biggest projects during Schmidt’s tenure came in 2006 when he spearheaded the design and construction of a new police headquarters.

In 2020, Schmidt led the department through its initial accreditation by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

In remarks for retirement, Schmidt reflected on his decades of service to the township and the department.

“I want to thank you for the opportunity to be a member of the Upper Makefield community since 1980. I leave you with the most talented, well-trained group of officers in the nation for which I have had the pleasure of hiring and training for this day,” Schmidt said.

The department embraced community-oriented policing early in his career and has continued that approach, he said.

The outgoing chief pointed to several programs and services, including a DARE officer at Sol Feinstone Elementary School, a motor carrier enforcement team that works with the Newtown Township and Newtown Borough police departments, and car seat installation and drug take-back events.

Schmidt also highlighted the department’s Facebook page, which he said was started at an officer’s initiative, as well as the department’s detective, who conducts criminal investigations and handles walk-in complaints at the station.

Schmidt recalled that in 1981 and 1982, he was tasked with numbering every home in the township and met with residents to ensure the 9-1-1 center’s computerized system had accurate locations for emergency dispatches.

“We have always emphasized for the residents to be aware of their surroundings and to call us when you see something out of the ordinary,” Schmidt said.

The department is scheduled to be reaccredited for the third time in October by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. Schmidt described the achievement as a major milestone, noting that less than 20 percent of Pennsylvania police agencies have attained the distinction.

“Your support of me and all the officers in the department has been outstanding. Thank you,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt’s service also extended beyond Upper Makefield. He served for more than 20 years as president of the Bucks County Police Association and for more than 20 years as secretary of the Bucks County Police Chiefs Association.

“Thank you on behalf of the board and the township, chief,” Supervisor Chairperson Ben Weldon said.

While the search for a permanent replacement is underway, the township has hired Ken Coluzzi, the retired chief of Lower Makefield Township, to serve as Upper Makefield’s police chief until a new full-time chief is selected.