Two Full-time Officers Added to Police Department Staff
January 29, 2009

The Franconia Police Department recently hired two new full-time police officers, Officer Kurt J. DeForrest and Officer Christopher Hinnershitz. The Franconia Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to hire DeForrest in October and Hinnershitz in January, bringing the department’s total number of police offers to 15.

The increase to 15 officers will provide flexibility in scheduling as the township grows, especially with the anticipated September opening of the new Souderton Area High School in the heart of the township as well as anticipated residential growth in the coming years.

Franconia Township Police Chief Joe Kozeniewski, left, presents new Officer Kurt DeForrest with his uniform shield at his swearing-in ceremony.

Officer Kurt J. DeForrest

Kurt J. DeForrest received his oath of office from Special Court Judge Kenneth Deatelhauser on October 20, 2008, at the Board’s monthly business meeting. DeForrest, 29, is the department’s fourteenth full-time officer. He had worked previously for the East Pikeland Township Police Department in Chester County. He is a native of the Downingtown area.

Chief of Police Joseph Kozeniewski noted that DeForrest brings 3 years of experience to the department. “Officer DeForrest had an excellent service record with his previous department,” he said. “We are looking forward to Kurt’s contributions to Franconia Township.” Officer DeForrest resides in Harleysville with his wife and two children.

Special District Court Judge Kenneth Deatelhauser, left, administers the oath of office to newly appointed Franconia Township Police Officer Christopher Hinnershitz. Hinnershitz’s wife, Tina, holds the bible during the ceremony.

Officer Christopher Hinnershitz

The department welcomed its fifteenth full-time officer at the January 19 Board meeting. Judge Deatelhauser administered the oath of office to Christopher Hinnershitz, who had been a police officer for nearly twelve years with the Upper Perkiomen Police District Department in Pennsburg.

Chief Joseph Kozeniewski commented that the department is fortunate to have the availability of Officer Hinnershitz’s experience. “He served as a patrol supervisor with his former department,” added the Chief. “We have hired a quality person.” Hinnershitz officially joined the department on January 2 and has successfully completed his field training. He has been assigned to a regular patrol shift with a partner officer.