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Snell honored in Towanda
Published: December 31, 2009
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Review Photo/ERIC HRIN Towanda Mayor Richard Snell, left, poses with a plaque honoring his 20 years of service beside Towanda Police Chief Mitch Osman at a farewell gathering at the police station Wednesday. A cake congratulating him on his retirement is on a table in the background.
TOWANDA - Towanda Police Chief Mitch Osman recalled how departing borough mayor Richard Snell would visit the police station twice a day.
He would check to see if the police needed anything or had any areas of concern.
"He had a hands-on approach to our department."
On Wednesday, the long-time mayor was again at the department, but this time it was as a special guest as people wished him farewell before he leaves office. Snell is retiring as mayor at the end of 2009, after serving 20 years in that post.
The public was invited to have a piece of cake, which had a message on it congratulating Snell on his retirement. In addition, the mayor received a plaque honoring him. The Towanda Police Department organized and sponsored the event.
The plaque read, "In recognition of your distinguished years of service and dedication to Towanda Borough Police Department (1989-2009) from the officers of the Towanda Borough Police Department."
"I'm thrilled to death with it," Snell said of the celebration. He noted that he's enjoyed working with the police.
When asked for comment, Osman had some nice words to say about the mayor, who oversaw the police department during his years in office.
"He's been in charge of the police department for 20 years, and he's done a fine job leading our department, and we wish him luck in his endeavors in the future," he said.
"He not only served the police department, but he served the citizens of the borough of Towanda for 20 years," he added, noting Snell did a good job in this area as well.
Osman said Snell has been dedicated to Towanda.
And he said the police department has done well under his direction with such initiatives as a canine unit and a mountain bike patrol.
In the past, there had also been a motorcycle patrol.
In addition, there has been an emphasis on training and education, he said. The police force has grown as well, he added.
"We have just progressed throughout the years under Mayor Snell's direction."
Osman said Snell's philosophy has been to serve the citizens of the borough with the best quality service possible.
James Lacek of Towanda was among those attending.
"I think it was very appropriate for the police to put on a a little going-away party," he said.
He was also impressed by Snell's various activities, such as receiving visitors and handing out ceremonial keys to the town.
"He was very dignified," he said.
Joe Steitzer of Monroeton also attended.
"I thought it was really nice they did something for him," he said.
He said Snell has done a lot for Towanda.
"I'm sorry to see him go. I think he really enjoyed the position that he held." He noted that he and other friends sometimes kid the mayor when they see his picture in the paper.
He thought Snell was a good asset to the police department.
"From what I've seen and what I've read, I think there's a big improvement since he's been in there. He's really enjoyed what he's done and he's real proud of it." He thought there was less crime.
The new mayor will be current council member Garrett Miller.
Osman looks forward to working with him.
"He will do fine. I'm sure he has some new ideas to even progress further..."
Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; e-mail: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.
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