ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — Orchard Park Police Chief Mark Pacholec is on paid administrative leave and will not return to work, the Town Supervisor Says. Pacholec informed the Town Board Tuesday he will retire on May 1.
The Town is not saying much about Pacholec's absence, only to say there were some issues between the Town Board and Pacholec about three weeks ago and he was placed on leave. The Town Attorney John Bailey tells 7 Eyewitness News a non-disclosure agreement has been signed and no more information will be forthcoming.
The last time Pacholec was at work was around Feb 25, Bailey says.
Town Supervisor Patrick Keem says this "administrative leave" was not disciplinary in nature. Keem says Pacholec will get the highest recommendation any police chief can receive.
Keem says, "he's a hard worker, an honest person and a strong leader."
When asked what exactly the "issues" were, Keem only could say some were personal and some related to the future of the department.
Until a new chief is appointed, Assistant Chief Joe Worfritz is the acting chief.
