Northampton Township Police Chief to Retire

Northampton Township Police Chief M. Barry Pilla, Jr. will step down as of July 1 according to a written statement he issued Monday. 

Pilla said Lieutenant Mike Clark, as second in command, will assume command of the Police Department on June 30. 

"It has been my sincere privilege to serve the majority of my chosen profession of 40 plus years with the Northampton Township Police Department in the service of our great community," Pilla said.

"I truly don't have the words to state how proud I am for what [the township's law enforcement professionals] have accomplished and do every single day to protect us...My pride in being a very small part of the success of our Police Department and a member of the finest profession is something that will stay with me for the remainder of my life," he said.

Pilla has served either his country or his community—or both—since he left college 45 years ago in 1968, he said.

"My only wish is success and safe passage for the members of the Northampton Township Police Department and all of my brothers and sisters in law enforcement as they move safely through their career to their own retirement day.