Falls Twp. Police Department Marks 75 Years Of Service

File photo Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

The Falls Township Police Department commemorated its 75th anniversary on Thursday as it celebrated its decades of law enforcement service.

Established on Jan. 2, 1950, the department was initially a one-man operation led by Chief Franklin Kirby. At the time, Falls Township was a rural area without the conveniences of modern policing, like radios, computers, or air conditioning in police vehicles.

Chief Franklin Kirby. Credit: Falls Township police

Today, the department oversees a 26.5-square-mile area that includes a population of 34,700 residents as it has turned from a farming community to a bustling suburb of Philadelphia and Trenton. The area has seen significant development in Fairless Hills and Levittown.

Chief of Police Nelson Whitney reflected on the department’s growth.

“It is amazing to reflect upon how much has changed for Falls Township and this police department in the last 75 years. We have changed from a small farming town that surrounded historic Fallsington to a thriving community encompassing sections of Levittown, Fairless Hills and Morrisville,” Chief of Police Nelson Whitney told LevittownNow.com. “As the community grew and needs changed, the Falls Township Police Department has evolved to meet those needs. It is an honor to work with the fine men and women of the Falls Township Police Department, and to serve the people of this close knit and vibrant community.”

Chief Nelson Whitney addressing families in 2022.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

The department plans to celebrate its milestone year with several service projects and will be sharing historical facts throughout 2025 to educate the community and honor its past.

“Since January 2, 1950, one hundred and sixty-four Falls Township police officers have raised their hand and swore an oath to protect and defend the United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions along with protecting and defending the lives and property of all those who live, work and travel through Falls Township. Among that number are seven chiefs of police,” the department said.

Since the 1970s, the Falls Township Police Department has had an authorized strength of 53 sworn officers, but there are vacancies and the department is looking to hire.

In addition to Kirby and Whitney, Chief Donald Beacraft, Chief James Kettler, Chief Arnold Conoline, Public Safety Director Neil Harkins, and Chief William Wilcox have led the department.