At Monday night's Board of Commissioners meeting, Chief Fisher was proud to announce the hiring of two new police officers, Jacob Hicks and Timothy Stauffer. He also stood by as Corporals Cody Lewis and Michael Tropp were sworn into their new rank of Sergeant. Congratulations to all four!

JACOB HICKS

Officer Jacob Hicks was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He pursued higher education at Penn State University, earning a Bachelor’s in Security and Risk Analysis in 2024.  Officer Hicks attended the Reading Police Academy, where he successfully completed an intensive training program focused on law enforcement principles, ethics, and practical skills.  On December 20, 2024, he proudly graduated from the academy as the session’s valedictorian.  His father pinned Officer Hicks' badge.

TIMOTHY STAUFFER

Officer Timothy Stauffer began his journey into law enforcement in 2013 when he graduated from York Technical Institute with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and First Response. Soon after graduation, he was hired by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and worked from 2013 until 2015. In 2015, Officer Stauffer shifted gears and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Cavalry Scout, where he ultimately attained the rank of Staff Sergeant before completing his term of service in 2023. Officer Stauffer resides in Lancaster County with his wife and two children. He is excited and thankful to be able to work for this department and the township. His wife pinned his badge.

CODY LEWIS

Sergeant Cody J. Lewis was born and raised in Lancaster County and is a Penn Manor High School graduate. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, graduating from York College of Pennsylvania in 2006. Shortly after, Sergeant Lewis joined the Manheim Township Police Department in July 2007 and attended the police academy at Harrisburg Area Community College.

Beginning his career as a patrolman, Sergeant Lewis developed a strong focus on combating street crime and dedicated himself to training fellow officers in police tactics. In 2009, he was awarded the Life Saving Award, and the Firearms Proficiency Award in 2012. In 2013, he became a Field Training Officer (FTO), embarking on a long-standing role in training new officers for patrol. His dedication to training officers in the department continued as he took on the roles of Defensive Tactics Instructor and Firearms Instructor.

In 2016, Sergeant Lewis expanded his roles and responsibilities by becoming a member of Lancaster SERT. In 2018, he was honored as Officer of the Year and received two Distinguished Service Awards. He continued to earn recognition for his exceptional work, receiving the Meritorious Service Award in 2020.

In 2022, Lewis was promoted to the rank of Corporal, also receiving his third Distinguished Service Award in the same year. His passion for training officers remains a defining aspect of his career, and he is eager to apply this dedication to his new role as Sergeant. Sergeant Lewis is married with three children. His badge was pinned by his wife.

Sergeant Lewis will be assigned to the Patrol Division to command the 1st Platoon.

MICHAEL TROPP

Sergeant Tropp grew up in Lancaster County and graduated from Hempfield High School. He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years. After his military service, Sergeant Tropp transitioned to the private sector, taking on supervisory and management roles, before being hired as a police officer with the Manheim Township Police Department in 2015.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions and services to Manheim Township, Sergeant Tropp received both the Officer of the Year and Humanitarian Awards in 2017. His dedication to his profession continued to grow, and in 2019, he joined the Lancaster County SERT as a crisis negotiator. Over time, he expanded his responsibilities with SERT, becoming the Training Coordinator and Squad Leader. His work on the SERT was further acknowledged in 2021 when he was named SERT Negotiator of the Year.

Sergeant Tropp is also committed to continuous learning. In 2020, he earned his associate’s degree in criminal justice, and shortly thereafter, he was appointed Officer in Charge (OIC) of the 4th Platoon. In June 2023, he tested for and was promoted to Corporal in June 2023. Just a few months later, in October 2023, he was appointed the role of Acting Sergeant of the 4th Platoon, a position he continues to hold.

In addition to his professional achievements, Sergeant Tropp is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership at Penn State University. He is married and has two daughters. His badge was pinned by his wife.

Sergeant Tropp will be assigned to the patrol division and continue to command the 4^th platoon.

MEDIA POST CONTACT: Sergeant Barry E. Waltz, Jr., Cell: 717-371-5212, Office: 717-569-6401 Ext: 1505, waltzb@manheimtownshippolice.org