Sergeant Named Acting Bristol Twp. Police Chief

Sgt. Ralph Johnson was promoted to acting chief of Bristol Township police department last week. officials said Monday. He replaces Lt. John Godzieba, who remains in his previous position as lieutenant of the administrative section.

Township Manager BIll McCauley would not say Monday afternoon what led to the change in leadership ranks. He stated due to the issue being personnel related, he couldn’t release more information.

Councilman Craig Bowen said he had no official comment at this time and referred the publication back to McCauley’s comments.

Councilwoman Amber Longhitano also contacted by the publication also referred the publication back to the township manager’s comments.

The source said that council members knew in advance of last week’s council meeting about the official change in leadership since they were all e-mailed about the change by McCauley.

A source close to council said  members were officially informed last Wednesday night – 24 hours before approving the creation of the  new public safety directors position coincidentally.

Bristol Township Police Benevolent Association President Detective Tim Fuhrmann said he had no comment about the change and noted both Johnson and Godzieba were member’s of the union and the change has little to do with the PBA. Fuhrmann declined to comment on whether he knew or not the reasoning for the sudden change to Johnson.

Johnson, who has served in law enforcement for 28 years, has recently worked with town watch groups and a federal task force. He resumed street patrol work earlier this year.

Godzieba, a Bristol Township police veteran and former K-9 officer, has served as acting chief since summer 2013 when former Chief Jame McAndrew went on medical leave. McAndrew officially retired July 1.

The change in leadership, officials said has nothing to do with the creation of the new public safety director’s positon.