Johnstown Council OKs police chief’s resignation

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Johnstown Police Department Chief Richard Pritchard's resignation was finalized Wednesday during Johnstown City Council's meeting.

Pritchard submitted a two-sentence letter Oct. 23 that stated his decision to leave the position was effective immediately. City Manager Art Martynuska has the ultimate decision on personnel matters. City Council took the extra step of unanimously approving a resolution to direct Martynuska to accept the resignation.

"The city manager's authorized to accept the resignation," Solicitor Dave Andrews said.

"City Council can, particularly with the chief of police or chief of fire, ratify that action."

When asked if a search will be held for a new chief, Martynuska said, "We're going to start. We haven't done that actively yet. We'll do that soon."

Martynuska said the process could take "a couple weeks."

Capt. Dan Price, JPD's new officer in charge, gave a report during the part of the meeting when department heads provided updates. Mayor Frank Janakovic said the plan going forward is "undecided right now."

"It's just going to stay status quo with Price who has been appointed," Janakovic added.

In other matters, a proposed $15,460,774 general fund budget – with no tax increases – was introduced for 2025. "We're excited by the way the new finance director (Melissa Millard) has taken control of the position and we feel encouraged by the city's financial future," City Councilwoman Laura Huchel said.