Allegheny Township filled one of its vacant public safety positions and will begin to advertise for another one.

The supervisors appointed Matt Johnston, 29, of Allegheny Township as the township’s emergency management coordinator.

The board also accepted the resignation of police Chief Duane Fisher, who will become the police chief in Manheim Township, Lancaster County. Fisher’s last day in Allegheny Township is Oct. 22.

Residents and supervisors spoke highly of Johnston and Fisher.

Johnston is a captain and EMS coordinator at the Markle Volunteer Fire Department. He’s employed as an environmental health and safety supervisor at Vitro Architectural Glass.

“I know he can do the job well, and he’s a real asset to the community,” said Joe McElhaney, township resident and president of the Markle Volunteer Fire Company.

He told the supervisors to seize the opportunity by selecting Johnston as the emergency management agency coordinator.

Supervisors Chairman Mike Korns said Johnston had a “tremendous background” with a bachelor’s degree in safety, health and environmental sciences from IUP and has a wealth of experience from being a part of local volunteer fire companies.

Johnston said he looks forward to serving in the role.

He replaces Lee Schumaker, who recently resigned. Schumaker also was the township’s code enforcement officer.

Supervisors will begin advertising for two full-time police officers to replace Fisher, 52, and another officer who will be joining the state police.

Fisher thanked the supervisors and municipal staff he has worked with since coming to Allegheny Township in 2018. He also thanked the police officers in his department and the community “who extended me this opportunity to lead and advance our police department.”

He wished the best for Allegheny Township moving forward.

Residents thanked Fisher for his service.

“I just want to thank Chief Fisher for serving the residents during his time as chief and for making Allegheny Township Police Department a shining example to those throughout the commonwealth,” resident Patrick Leyland said.

Supervisor Ren Steele complimented Fisher’s leadership and called him a friend.

“I think the chief has done a great job. We have a great police force, one of the most outstanding in the whole state of Pennsylvania,” Steele said.

Korns said he admired Fisher’s professionalism and dedication. He also said Fisher was on the job often, thereby saving the township money.

Fisher also made the township a safer place by implementing newer technologies, such as license plate readers, Korns said.

“I want to express my gratitude to you on behalf of the board of supervisors in Allegheny Township for your service here,” Korns said.

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