For Foster Township Police Chief Michael Thomas, inspiration came early.

“I have always wanted to be a policeman from the time I was quite young, watching shows like ‘CHiPs,’ ‘T.J. Hooker’ and ‘Adam-12,’” said Thomas.

“In fact, my first little bike was actually a ‘CHiPs’ Big Wheel when I was maybe 5 years old.”

Thomas always knew he wanted to help make his hometown a better place. He describes his career in law enforcement as a dream-come-true to his childhood self.

Thomas grew up in the area and graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1995. He went to the police academy in 1998 through Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“At the time they hosted that here, through Pitt-Bradford,” Thomas recalled.

Thomas credits his mother and his wife as being the two biggest inspirations. Both women were incredibly supportive of Thomas following his dreams.

“Without my mother, I don’t know where I would be; she was behind me every step of the way,” Thomas said. “And my wife, Sam, is my rock — we will be going on 24 years of marriage this year.”

Thomas started his career in Emporium in 2000 as a part-time officer. At different times, he also worked in the Port Allegany Police Department and the Kane Police Department part time. In 2005, he was hired as a full-time officer for Kane. Simultaneously, he began working part time with the Foster Township Police Department.

“They worked around my schedule in Kane to allow me to work here two days a week,” said Thomas.

He continued that schedule for a year and a half before being hired full time in Foster Township. Thomas and his wife were excited to return to Foster Township. They knew they wanted to raise their family there.

“When I took this job I was really looking forward to being back here,” said Thomas. “These are the people I grew up with and it was important to me to protect and serve them.”

Thomas enjoys the fact that he knows almost everyone in town. In addition to his police work, he enjoys riding his Harley around the area. For many years, he has also coached Raptors football.

“That is something I really enjoyed doing because it was great to see how the kids would develop and grow over time,” said Thomas. “Even though my son was on the team, you start to feel like all those kids are your kids.”

Even when he has to interact with people on their worst day, Thomas tries to be a positive influence in their lives.

“Even when I see people in bad times I like to know that I have helped them through that process,” said Thomas. “Many people come in and specifically ask for me — that means a lot.”

Thomas was hired as a patrolman before being promoted in 2012 to the rank of lieutenant. In October 2024, he was promoted again to the rank of chief, following the retirement of former Chief Tom Munn.

“My goals are to keep the township going strong and to work well with the other departments,” said Thomas. “When I took over I spoke with the other chiefs in the area and we would like to start meeting regularly so we can all be on the same page.”

There are some changes ahead for the department, which include getting new equipment such as body cameras.

“We never had cameras before, even on our patrol cars,” said Thomas. “This will allow us to better protect everyone — both officers and the general public.”

Working with the public is truly one of Thomas’s favorite parts of his job. He said he enjoys meeting friends and neighbors and tries to do his best to remain a light in the community.

“I appreciate the opportunity to be here and serve this township.”