History

In the early years Thomas Township had, at one time, up to four elected constables to perform various duties as prescribed by law. The first police car was purchased in 1967, a fully equipped 1967 Plymouth designed for police work. The Thomas Township Police Department was officially formed on May 4, 1970. The department at the time was made up of four officers:  Police Chief E. David Eimers, who was already an elected constable and had been designated as chief, Edwin Matzke an elected constable along with, William DeVinney and Robert Frost who were appointed officers.  All of these gentlemen worked part time.  A short time later the township adopted the state vehicle code as a guideline for enforcing vehicle laws.

 On April 7, 1975, the township hired a full time police chief, Larry Sicard, to oversee a staff of three part time officers.  Chief Sicard served the citizens of Thomas Township until 1986.  On his departure Joseph Reinig became Thomas Township’s third police chief serving the residents until 1990.  The fourth chief was Steven Kocsis, he served as chief for Thomas Township PD from 1990 until he retired in 2019.  Al Fong became the fifth chief for Thomas Twp and retired in June of 2023. At the time of Chief Fong’s retirement Eric Cowles was promoted to Chief and is currently serving.  

 

Thomas Township