After serving the Borough of Conshohocken in uniform for the last 30 years, Police Chief Michael Orler will retire June 8th after taking his final ride with law enforcement officers.
The honorary ride is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m., at Chief Orler’s home in New Hanover Township and will include police officers from surrounding municipalities. The ride will end around 9:30 a.m., at the Conshohocken Police Station, where the chief will be recognized along with food and refreshments.
“I want to thank the borough residents for their support and for me to serve in such an honorable profession,” said Chief Orler. “The time has come for new leadership that will bring new perspective, insight and ideas.”
As the police chief for the last nine years, Chief Orler oversaw a staff of 32 mostly consisting of police officers but also includes civilian employees, parking enforcement officers, school crossing guards and fire police personnel. Orler lists some of his accomplishments as:
• Creating the Internet Crimes Against Children investigation unit and child predator investigative unit,
• Starting the Conshohocken Police Accreditation process through Pennsylvania Chief’s of Police Association,
• Starting the Internet Safe Transaction Zone,
• Providing Narcan/Naloxone training and implementation, and
• One of the first departments in the county to transition to the new portable radio communication
“One of the most vital elements that has led to the success of our department are the individual members that serve and protect our borough,” said Chief Orler. “These professionals truly believe in our core values of service, honor and commitment.”
Orler shared that during his three decades with the department, he had several memorable moments. A few of his top ones where when he traveled to New York City after the Sept. 11th attacks and assisted with security at a police precinct in Greenwich Village before going to ground zero. Additionally, another occasion was when a “Fallen” Conshohocken Police Officer who was killed on duty in 1917 was added the police memorial in Washington, D.C. and the Montgomery County Police Memorial located in Norristown.
Prior to joining the police department, Orler earned his Bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and received Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from Villanova University.
Chief Orler’s retirement plans include traveling and enjoying time with his family consisting of his wife Amy of 32 years; two daughters, Alyssa and Madison; and two grandchildren, Carter and Teagan.
“I want to thank my wife and children as well as my entire family for accommodating my challenging schedule and missing many family events over the years,” said Chief Orler. “I will truly miss my second family, the officers whom I served with.”
“It has been my great pleasure to work with Chief Orler in my capacity as a state legislator representing the 148th legislative district, which includes the Borough of Conshohocken,” said Rep. Mary Jo Daley. “He and his department have been an invaluable resource to my district office. He will be sorely missed by myself and my staff. The borough has been most fortunate to have an individual of his standing serving for so long.”
“Under Chief Orler’s leadership, the Conshohocken Police Department has transitioned into a new building, modernized equipment and police vehicles, hired six officers, implemented in-car video recording and established a Safe Internet Transaction Zone, among many other achievements,” said Conshohocken Borough Mayor Yaniv Aronson.
“Chief Michael Orler’s dedication to the Conshohocken Police Department is unmatched,” said Philadelphia Police Department Chief Inspector Michael Cochrane. “I had the pleasure of meeting Chief Orler through a yearly training session with the FBI’s National Academy. Over the years Chief Orler and I developed a strong working relationship, which eventually evolved into a great friendship.”
Orler is a Conshohocken-native. He is a Plymouth Whitemarsh High School graduate and was a longtime member of the force prior to being named chief in 2009, following the retirement of former chief James Dougherty. In 1999, Chief Orler attained a master’s degree in criminal justice and police science from Villanova University. He was granted a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova in 2005.