Two Decorated Falls Officers Retire

Two of Falls Township most decorated police officers officially retired Tuesday evening.

Yale Gottenberg and John Trindle, who have a combined 66 years of police service, leave behind a force that has grown and improved because of their duties.

“It is a sad but great occasion,” said Police Chief Bill Wilcox to a large crowd Tuesday evening. “They are cops [and] they will be cops for life. These guys, although retired, will always be policemen. It is a great calling, there is nothing like this profession.”

Gottenberg, who attended the academy in 1984, has officially been remarked as the ‘most decorated officer in the history of the Falls Township Police Department,’ according to officials. Less than a year on the force, Gottenberg was involved in a shootout with other members of the police force, an effort for which he earned the Medal of Valor.

Gottenberg earned another Medal of Valor just three years later. According to Wilcox, both Gottenberg and Trindle have earned two medals of valor during their police service. “That is really significant,” said the chief.

One of the greatest accomplishments for Gottenberg, was having his son follow in his footsteps. His son, Glen, currently serves as a police officer in Warrington.

“It has been an honor and priviledge to work for you and with you as my chief,” said Gottenberg to the crowd Tuesday night. “I’ll value our friendship. You are the epitome of what a good chief should be.”

Gottenberg, who was presented with a full plaque on Tuesday night by his son dictating all his awards and accomplishments, said the crowd wasn’t indicative of just his service. “It is not indicative of me, but we. This is what we do and who we are.”

Trindle, according to Wilcox, was ‘one of the foremost accident investigations on the entire east coast’. “He did the job everyday, what a fine human being,” said Wilcox. “To me, John is the best.”

“I want to thank Bill Wilcox for being a great boss. Everyone, be safe, god bless and thank you,” said Trindle during the Board of Supervisors meeting.

The recognition of both men was followed up with a buffet for friends, family and members of the police force at the township police station.