Tyrone Police Chief Takes New Job
By: Angie Koehle
Updated: June 1, 2010
TYRONE, BLAIR COUNTY - Police Chief Joseph Beachem is trading in his Tyrone patches for ones that say Saxonburg. The 41 year old will become police chief for the department in southern Butler County.
"I'll miss the guys. In 9 years I think accomplished a lot in Tyrone so it's a little sad to walk out on the accomplishments. I'm sure the guys will keep it up and carry on," Beachem said.
Beachem has led the Tyrone Police Department for the past 9 years. He's logged long hours, working some late nights and successfully solving some major cases. But, he said, there are smaller ones he wishes he could have seen through.
"There was a robbery at Community Pharmacy a few years back that I wasn't able to close. It's still an open case so hopefully I get a call that these guys closed it out," he said.
But with his office cleared out, he can now move his family closer to his parents, while leaving behind a legacy that he can be proud of.
"I've seen the drug activity drop tremendously. That's obviously due in part to the guy's dedication who work here and at the attorney general's office and the cooperation of all the departments in the county. So that's the proudest achievement I'll take out of here, it's the drop in the drug crime.
Chief Beachem starts his job Wednesday. A search is on for his replacement in Tyrone.
"I'll miss the guys. In 9 years I think accomplished a lot in Tyrone so it's a little sad to walk out on the accomplishments. I'm sure the guys will keep it up and carry on," Beachem said.
Beachem has led the Tyrone Police Department for the past 9 years. He's logged long hours, working some late nights and successfully solving some major cases. But, he said, there are smaller ones he wishes he could have seen through.
"There was a robbery at Community Pharmacy a few years back that I wasn't able to close. It's still an open case so hopefully I get a call that these guys closed it out," he said.
But with his office cleared out, he can now move his family closer to his parents, while leaving behind a legacy that he can be proud of.
"I've seen the drug activity drop tremendously. That's obviously due in part to the guy's dedication who work here and at the attorney general's office and the cooperation of all the departments in the county. So that's the proudest achievement I'll take out of here, it's the drop in the drug crime.
Chief Beachem starts his job Wednesday. A search is on for his replacement in Tyrone.
