Lt. James Donnelly Named Next Warminster Police Chief

Lt. James Donnelly will replace Police Chief S. Michael Murphy, who officially announced his planned departure from the Warminster Police Department Thursday evening. 

Murphy will be leaving at the end of the month to take a position as the chief of police of the Upper Moreland Township Police Department. 

Murphy, his voice quivering with emotion, expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported him over the last eight years. 

“It has been my absolute pleasure to serve this community,” he said. 

Board of Supervisors Chairperson Leo Quinn said the township had worked very hard to secure a chief like Murphy, and formally recognized him for his outstanding service to the township. 

“[Chief Murphy] lead, reorganized and brought the Warminster Township Police Department to a level of professionalism and respect in the police community,” he said.  “We applaud him for his outstanding service.”

As for Murphy’s replacement, Township Manager Rich Manfredi said the township did not need to go out on a national search, primarily because of the pool of talent within the department.

“Because of [Murphy’s] leadership, building a bench here for Warminster Township, we have the great luxury of having qualified people within the department,” he said.

Manfredi said after numerous interviews, reference and background checks and the input of Chief Murphy, the board selected Lt. James Donnelly to become Warminster Township’s next chief of police.

The board of supervisors voted unanimously to approve Donnelly’s appointment.

Donnelly's official swearing in ceremony will take place at the next board of supervisors meeting on Thursday, May 16.