Submitted by Eric S. Hermick, Chief of Police
COPS CORNER:
Chippewa Police Department is announcing the retirement of Officer Mark E. Sommer, effective March 31, 2024.
Mark is well known for his ability to perform community service – he loved to meet and talk with people about any and every topic. He put people at ease and was able to de-escalate many situations. Mark grew up in Chippewa Township and graduated from Blackhawk High School then he attended the Police Academy at the Community College of Beaver County. After attaining his police certification, he was hired by Chief Robert C. Berchtold at the Chippewa Police Department.
Mark joined the ranks of the Chippewa Police Department in 1993 as a part-time patrolman. Within 10 months of being hired, he was promoted to a full-time position and has proudly served and protected the community for 31 years. Mark was loved by many and worked well with his co-workers and supervisors. Mark was a great employee who helped others when needed. Even off duty, he was the first to person to offer assistance to others who needed it. Mark’s presence and personality will be missed greatly – he was extremely funny, both intentionally and unintentionally. Mark is a great person and a terrific friend to many; in fact he was more like family to all of us. We truly love him and wish him the best with his future retirement plans and endeavors.
Mark had several visitors on his last workday. It was very interesting to see those who stopped to wish him well also brought food – namely cake, ice cream, Oram’s donuts and homemade muffins. His nickname in the station was dump truck – obviously due to his eating ability and habits. No vegetables or fruit trays were delivered, only junk food…
