OXFORD, PA — Leaders of the Save Oxford Police movement have appealed to President Donald Trump to intervene before Oxford Borough dissolves its century-old police department on December 31, escalating a dispute over the municipality’s transition to regional law enforcement coverage, according to a recent report by the Daily Local News.
The October 15 letter, signed by John and Missy Rogers of East Nottingham Township and Danny and Sherry Graham of Oxford, asks the White House to send representatives to investigate the borough’s decision, which opponents contend disregards residents’ objections.
“We need help before it’s too late,” the organizers wrote, according to the Daily Local News.
The appeal comes as Oxford prepares to transfer policing responsibilities to the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department on January 1, 2027, following a 5-2 Borough Council vote in August.
The transition is advancing despite continued opposition. Severance terms have been finalized for six officers, while three officers transferring to the regional department will retain most of their seniority and benefits.
“We have finalized the severance terms for six officers,” Robert McCarron, president of the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police, told the Daily Local News. “The three officers transitioning to the regional office will retain most of their seniority and other benefits.”
Negotiations over Police Chief Samuel Iacono’s severance package remain unresolved.
Oxford’s police department, established in 1926, employed 16 officers before the council vote. Several have since obtained employment elsewhere.
Council President Kathryn Cloyd, Vice President Bill Fitzpatrick and members Michael Brandt, Melody Boston-Griffin and Robert Ketcham supported dissolving the department. Council members Raul Juarez-Lara and Amanda Birdwell opposed the decision.
Borough officials have cited the financial burden of maintaining an independent police force. Oxford’s approximately $5 million budget for 2026 includes $2.04 million for police operations.
Opponents dispute the borough’s financial justification and argue that maintaining a locally controlled department remains affordable.
“We want the voice of the people heard,” John Rogers told the Daily Local News. “The voice of the people is to retain our police just the way they are.”
Danny Graham has called for peaceful demonstrations and urged council members who supported the dissolution to resign.
The White House did not respond to the Daily Local News’ request for comment. A spokesperson for Gov. Josh Shapiro acknowledged the newspaper’s inquiry but declined to address the residents’ criticism.
The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, headquartered in New Garden Township, currently serves New Garden and West Grove and provides contracted services to Avondale.
Oxford officials have indicated that the regional department will maintain two dedicated patrol officers in the borough around the clock, supported by local supervisory coverage and a substation.
However, questions remain about the location and capabilities of that facility, including where detainees will be processed and what resources officers will have available following exposure to hazardous substances.
Oxford Mayor Philip Harris previously indicated that the existing police station at 57 N. Fourth St. was too large to serve as the regional department’s substation. He did not respond to the newspaper’s subsequent interview requests.
Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe expressed disappointment over the dissolution but told the Daily Local News he remained confident that Oxford residents would receive effective law enforcement coverage.
Commissioner Marian Moskowitz emphasized that decisions about municipal policing should remain with the affected community.
“I do believe those decisions should be made by the local community,” Moskowitz told the newspaper, “those who are directly impacted.”
Commissioner Josh Maxwell indicated that community members had not contacted him directly about the dispute.
With the December 31 closure approaching, the borough continues preparing for the regional transition while opponents seek outside intervention to preserve the existing department.
Read the full Daily Local News report at https://www.dailylocal.com/2026/10/28/chester-county-residents-petition-trump-to-stop-impending-disbandment-of-oxford-police-force/
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