North Wales Residents, Business Owners Voice Support of Hackert

While North Wales Chief Barry Hackert remains on suspension — the reason not disclosed by the borough — residents, business owners and local organizations expressed their support of him to North Wales Borough Council Tuesday night.

In a report by Bradley Schlegel of The Reporter, seven people showed up at the meeting to voice how much Hackert means to them.

Resident Donna Mengel said, “I hope nothing untoward happens” to Hackert, according to the article. “Barry has become … a very good chief over his 21 years of service.”

Another resident, Richard Tibberino, told council Hackert helped his son find a job. Another resident said he could “count on Barry to handle” a problem, according to the article.

Resident Herb Thomas told council to avoid a lawsuit that would “cost us money galore,” according to the article. “We haven’t one (a lawsuit) yet.”

Thomas said, according to Schlegel, that council should stop pursuing the matter, as Hackert did not violate any local, state or federal laws as per his letter of condition of return in 2009, following a six-month administrative leave.

Council President Mike McDonald told the audience that Hackert “deserves respect”

After Tuesday’s meeting, council held an executive session about Hackert, and Hackert was present, Schelgel reported.

Schelgel reported that Hackert was involved in an alleged assault at Split Rock Resort in the Poconos on Dec. 30, 2012. Hackert allegedly struck the head of a security guard at the resort.

No criminal charges will be filed against Hackert, due to the alleged victim not pressing charges, according to the article.