With 2026 being our country's 250th anniversary, we wanted to periodically share moments in the history of the York County Regional Police Department. The first installment is focusing on Curtis S. Knaub

York County Regional Police Department – Moments in History
Remembering Curtis S. Knaub: The First Officer of York Township

As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate America250 in 2026—honoring our country’s evolution and inspiring the next generation—York Township stands in a place where history has always mattered.

Founded in 1741, York, Pennsylvania is often called the “first Capital of the United States,” where the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation between 1777 and 1778. Nearly 200 years after York Township was incorporated in 1753, another important chapter in local history began: the formation of the York Township Police Department in the mid-1950s.

What started as a practical concern grew into a lasting institution. Members of the Optimist Club began exploring ways to enforce a 35-mile-per-hour speed limit through the township to better protect residents. They soon learned that Pennsylvania required a full-time officer to enforce such a limit. Until that time, patrol responsibilities were handled by the State Police. From a simple desire to slow traffic and save lives, a municipal police department was born.

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When the department was officially formed in 1953, the first person hired—part-time—was Curtis S. Knaub. Living at 2428 S. Queen Street, Knaub was tasked primarily with responding to traffic-related incidents. At a time when resources were limited and expectations were high, he stepped forward to serve a growing community.

For six years, Officer Knaub used his own vehicle to patrol the township. In 1959, his salary was reduced from $2.00 per hour to $1.75 per hour because he would no longer be using his personal car. The township’s new police car was scheduled for delivery on Friday, March 6, 1959—marking a significant milestone for the young department. There was also a proposal that month to increase Knaub’s hours from 60 per month to 100 per month, reflecting the community’s growing need for police services.

Innovation followed shortly thereafter. In March 1959, the township board approved a telephone system that would allow residents to contact the officer directly in the patrol car. Installed in the new police vehicle rather than relying on an answering service, the system allowed residents to reach the on-duty officer for 40 cents per call. The fee was intended both to offset costs and to discourage children from calling “for sport.” York Telephone Company provided the service for $31 per month, following a $50 installation fee for rented equipment. What seems simple today was, at the time, a forward-thinking approach to community access and responsiveness.

The mid-1960s brought leadership transitions within the department. In April 1965, Police Chief Marvin F. Sentz resigned—though not for the first time during his tenure. Sentz had previously served as a constable in Felton and had twice resigned and returned during his nine years as chief. Among the reasons cited were the Board’s denial of his request to hire more officers and the requirement that he relocate from Felton to York Township. In 1959, Chief Sentz was supported by one full-time officer, Donald C. Wollet, and part-time Officer Curtis S. Knaub.

By September 2, 1959, Sentz was again named Chief of York Township, succeeding Harry E. Strausbaugh, who resigned to take another position after previously serving seven years as a state policeman out of the Lancaster barracks. Upon his return, Sentz agreed to move to Spry and accepted a salary of $3,900 per year. Through every leadership change and departmental adjustment, Curtis Knaub remained steadfast in his service to the township.

When Curtis S. Knaub passed away in February 1993, his obituary noted that he was the first employee of the York Township Police Department, serving for 14 years. Beyond law enforcement, he worked 18 years in the maintenance department of the former Bendix Corporation and later retired in 1988 after 16 years with Gichner Mobile Systems, Inc., in Dallastown. He was a member of Goodwill Fire Company of Spry and a 50-year member of the White Rose Motor Club—reflecting a lifelong commitment to community involvement.

Today, that legacy continues under the banner of the York County Regional Police Department (YCRPD), which began operations on January 1, 2022, following the merger of Northeastern Regional and York Area Regional Police Departments. In 2025, Spring Garden Township Police Department joined the department, further expanding regional collaboration.

YCRPD now serves:

• East Manchester Township
• Windsor Township
• York Township
• Dallastown Borough
• Jacobus Borough
• Manchester Borough
• Mount Wolf Borough
• Spring Grove Borough
• Yoe Borough
• Dallastown Area School District
• Northeastern School District
• Red Lion Area School District
• York County School of Technology

From a single part-time officer using his own car to a modern regional department serving multiple municipalities and school districts, the story of York Township policing begins with Curtis S. Knaub—a man who answered the call when his community needed him most.

Follow the York County Regional Police Department on Facebook or visit our website for more Moments in History as we honor the people and progress that shaped our department and the communities we proudly serve.

Research and story by:

Samantha L. Dorm

Grant Administrator

York County Area Regional Police Department

02/25/2025