After 33 years with the department, the last 10 of which were spent at the helm, Foster Township Police Chief Tom Munn retired this month.

It was 1988 and Munn had no plans of getting into law enforcement. He was, in fact, going to college to become an anesthesiologist.

As he studied, he found he needed a part-time job and was hired at Corydon Township, which sent him through the required municipal police training. Munn continued working part-time for Corydon Township and realized that he enjoyed police work. So much so, that he would leave college in 1989 to become a full-time police officer in Port Allegany.

“You felt like you were making a difference,” Munn said. “It’s cliche and corny, but I enjoy helping people. Law enforcement can be very rewarding.”

He worked for the borough police until July 11, 1991, when he joined Foster Township.

He said that, overall, area residents respect and mostly want the police around, “but across this country police don’t have it as easy.

“What it comes down to is that we’re expected to do more and more and more with less,” Munn said. “Nobody wants to get into law enforcement and it’s very difficult to replace officers who move on to other departments.”

Still, he said that mentoring younger officers was his favorite part of the job and that he always encouraged his officers to “start out nice.”

“It’s not hard to be nice. Start out pleasant, low key,” Munn said. “If you cross the line you will see that I’m willing to take it to the next step, but if we can work things out then I try to.”

He added, “I’ve met some fine policemen and helped mold those people – turning young officers into successful officers – that was part of the job I really enjoyed.”

Among those young policemen were several current Bradford City Police officers as well as Chief Mike Ward.

“Chief Munn has been a guiding force for many aspiring law enforcement officers, influencing their career paths and encouraging them to serve locally,” Ward said. “His leadership extended beyond mere supervision; it was characterized by a genuine concern for the wellbeing of both his team and the community they served.

“Chief Munn always put the people first. He was dedicated to Foster Township, always answering the call with thoroughness in his reports and investigations,” Ward continued. “His impact on crime prevention initiatives and his role in enhancing public safety measures have been felt throughout the local area. His tenure was defined by his actions and meticulous attention to detail and he leaves behind a legacy marked by integrity and compassion.”

Bradford Township Police Chief Robb Shipman said, “When I became chief (at Bradford Township), a lot of policy things, employment things – I always went to Tom and he always gave great guidance.

“He was very knowledgeable and seems to have an impeccable memory for changes in laws, keeping up on the changes,” Shipman said. “He was a team player in the whole (Tunungwant) valley.”

Upon Munn’s retirement, McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer said, “Chief Munn has led the Foster Township Police Department for over a decade and through a large period of growth in the township. Thank you for your service to Foster Township and McKean County.”

Foster Township Supervisor George Hocker said, “He did an excellent job as chief and was great to work with during the 11 years I was with him (as a township supervisor).”

Ward agreed. “I can only express gratitude for the opportunity to have worked alongside such a respected leader. It was an honor working with Chief Munn and I’m glad to call him my friend.”

Munn recently started a new job working in facilities security for The Guidance Center.

“I was ready to work for somebody else, not worry about budgets and people complaining,” Munn said. “This past weekend my phone went dead. I never looked at my phone, not once. I’m enjoying myself; it’s a different pace than being chief since 2014.”

When contacted for this story, Munn had been outside cutting the grass — so he wouldn’t have to worry about it after a long weekend at camp.

“My first week my wife said to me, ‘Who are you, and what have you done with my husband?’” Munn laughed. “I smile a lot more, I will say that.”