ADAMS TWP — There can be no doubt about the relationship between the Mars School District and retiring township police Chief Bill Westerman, who will leave the district in different hands Monday.

Westerman, who has been at the Adams Police Department for 33 years, was feted Tuesday night by the school board when Elizabeth McMahon, assistant superintendent of elementary education, presented the chief with a box of gifts and handmade cards from the students at the primary center.

The school district is in Adams Township.

School board President Dayle Ferguson also presented Westerman with a gift from the board.

Ferguson said, “It is important for all of us here at the school district to formally and publicly thank you for your leadership, your wisdom, and your commitment to serving and protecting our students, staff, and entire school community.”

She called Westerman a trusted partner in school safety initiatives, a respected voice during emergencies, and a compassionate advocate for children and families.

“We wish you good health, much happiness, and the sweet satisfaction of a job done extraordinarily well,” Ferguson said.

Board members and all administrators then rose to give Westerman a standing ovation.

Westerman told the board that a little girl in third or fourth grade who he had gotten to know at a school bus stop learned that he is retiring this Friday.

“She said 'We don't want you to retire,'” Westerman said. “I thought that was sort of cute.”