After nearly 35 years of dedicated service, Chief Mark Freeman will retire on October 11, 2026, marking the end of a remarkable career defined by professionalism, humility, and unwavering devotion to Upper Providence Township.  Since joining the department on December 3, 1991, he rose through every rank — juvenile detective, D.A.R.E. officer, field training officer, assistant SWAT team leader, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and ultimately Chief of Police.

Throughout his tenure, Freeman demonstrated exceptional leadership grounded in experience and empathy. His achievements include advancing departmental accreditation, improved recruitment, hiring, and diversity within the department, modernizing firearms programs, expanding less-lethal tools, standing up drone capabilities, investment in advanced command education, and building a leadership bench capable of carrying the department forward, established a regional crash investigation team and a K-9 Unit, and preparing officers for modern policing challenges. He also guided thoughtful organizational growth, increasing staffing and expanding investigative and specialty capacities while aligning resources with Township needs. 

Equally impactful was his commitment to community connection. The creation of the Community Engagement Unit, Programs such as Walk with a Cop, Coffee with a Cop, youth initiatives, retiree engagement, and strengthened social media outreach reflect his belief that trust and transparency are foundational pillars of public safety. “A chief’s legacy should be a department that is stronger, more prepared, and better connected to its community than when that chief began — and I believe I have accomplished that,” he noted. 

In his retirement letter to Township leadership, Freeman expressed profound appreciation for officers, Township staff, residents, department heads, and those who supported the mission of public safety throughout his career. “Serving Upper Providence Township has been far more than a career — it has been a privilege,” he wrote. 

Incoming Chief Ryan Sheehan, who worked under Freeman’s mentorship for more than a decade, shared several reflections on the Chief’s lasting influence. Sheehan described him as a leader who consistently offered thoughtful guidance, who never missed opportunities to help officers improve, and who modeled a calm, patient, and transparent leadership style. “His calmness, patience, and willingness to talk to anyone created a leadership model I’ve tried to emulate,” he said. 

Township Manager Timothy Tieperman noted: "It has been a true pleasure working side by side with Mark as we navigated many projects and issues in the police department. We’ve shared celebrations and endured tragedies that helped mold him into a leader of stellar integrity. His humility and grounding in faith guided him through difficult moments. We wish him the very best." 

Board Chair Kelly Stevens offered: "On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chief Freeman for his decades of service and leadership. Our residents benefited tremendously from his integrity, compassion, and commitment. While we will certainly miss him, we are grateful for the outstanding successor he has mentored, ensuring our department remains strong and forward-looking." 

Chief Freeman retires, leaving behind a stronger, more connected department and a successor prepared to carry forward his legacy of steadfast leadership.

Chief Freeman Reflects On His Years of Service

To the residents of Upper Providence Township, thank you for placing your trust and confidence in me throughout my career. It has been a privilege to serve and protect this community, and I have never taken that responsibility for granted. Every decision I made as a police officer and as Chief of Police was guided by one simple goal—to do what was best for our residents, our officers, and our Township.

I would also like to thank the members of the Upper Providence Township Police Department, both past and present. Your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving others have inspired me every day. It has been an honor to work alongside such an exceptional group of men and women.

I am equally grateful to our civilian staff, Township Manager Tim Tieperman, the Board of Supervisors, our department heads, and every Township employee who supported our mission over the years. Public safety is truly a team effort, and I have been fortunate to work with so many outstanding people throughout my career.

Upper Providence Township has been much more than the place where I worked—it has been my home, my extended family, and my life's work. The memories, friendships, and experiences I have gained over the past 35 years will remain with me forever.

As I begin this next chapter of life, I leave with a heart full of gratitude and countless memories that I will always cherish. While I may be retiring from the profession, I will always be proud to have served the residents of Upper Providence Township and to have been part of such an outstanding police department.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me the extraordinary privilege of serving this remarkable community. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime.

With sincere gratitude,

Chief Mark Freeman