Jackson Township police Chief Terry Seilhamer retired effective Aug. 30. Butler Eagle File photo

The Jackson Township Police Department has a new chief for the first time in 13 years.

After a police career spanning more than half a century, Terry Seilhamer retired as chief of the department effective Friday, Aug. 30. After the conclusion of his last shift, his fellow officers lined up to salute him as he walked out the door for the last time.

“We wish Chief the best in his retirement, and deeply appreciate the experience and professionalism that he has brought to the growth of the police department in Jackson Township,” said township manager Chris Rearick in a news release.

“It’s going to be hard to get used to not getting into a uniform,” Seilhamer said. “You get used to routines. I’ve been in a routine now for 50 years, so now it’s a matter of breaking that routine and doing a bit of freelancing.”

Taking Seilhamer’s place as chief is former Sgt. Zeke Reed, who brings 28 years of township experience with him into his new role. Seilhamer said Jackson Township residents should have nothing to worry about with their new chief.

“He’s very sound operationally,” Seilhamer said. “He has a very good operational background.”

Seilhamer said he was part of the decision, which was made before he left to ensure a smooth transition.

“It was me, a member of the township board of supervisors, and the township manager who did some interviews,” Seilhamer said. “We had it all lined up so it would be a smooth transition.”

Seilhamer’s long career in police work began in 1975 as a patrol officer with the Waynesboro Police Department in Franklin County, where he spent his first five years. In March 1980, he was hired by the Pennsylvania State Police, where he spent more than three decades moving up through the ranks, from state trooper all the way to major.

He assumed his role as chief of police in Jackson Township in March 2011.

While he was with the state police, he bore witness to some major world events that occurred within the Keystone State, including the capture of cop-killer Ralph “Bucky” Phillips in 2006 and the security buildup for the 2009 G20 Summit in Pittsburgh.

On Sept. 11, 2001, while he was serving as Area IV commander for the state police, he was called upon to secure the scene at the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Somerset County. It was the second air crash Seilhamer had been called to respond to in less than a decade. The first was on Sept. 8, 1994, when USAir Flight 427 crashed in Beaver County, killing all 132 on board.