Buffalo's new chief familiar with beat
BUFFALO TWP — Lt. Tim Derringer wants to meet any challenges that impact public safety in the township.
Derringer, 38, of Buffalo is the new officer-in-charge of the Buffalo police department.
One of his priorities is traffic control with speeding. Conversely, congestion on roads such as Route 356 also is a concern for police.
Derringer cited traffic from races at Lernerville Speedway and pending high school football games from Freeport’s new sports stadium as bringing many motorists.
“Eventually, I’d like to incorporate a traffic shift,” he said.
Derringer said officers could be dedicated solely to traffic duty on a shift once the department can be beefed up.
“We just need a couple more guys,” Derringer said.
The department currently has five full-time officers and two part-timers.
Derringer also wants to tackle illegal drugs.
“Anything we can do to get them off the street, we’ll do,” he said.
Derringer pointed out the township is a major artery with Routes 28 and 356 going through it.
Another goal for Derringer is to maintain open communication between the department and the public, the supervisors and the media.
“You can’t get anything accomplished without communication,” he said.
Derringer said the purpose of police is to maintain public safety.
“We’re here to help,” he said.
The township supervisors last week named him the successor to the late Alan Behanna.
Board members cited Derringer’s work as an officer as the impetus for the promotion.
Derringer, who has been with the department 17 years, said he appreciates the supervisors’ vote of confidence in his abilities.
“I’m going to take everything I’ve learned and move the township in the right direction and help it grow,” he said.
