After over 57 years in law enforcement, with 15 of them as Springfield Township police chief, Joe Daly has announced his retirement.
Daly alerted township residents Friday, saying his final day would be March 29.
“For the past 15 years I have had the distinct honor and privilege of serving the residents of Springfield Township and the members of the police department,” Daly said. “You have openly embraced me and helped me, and the department deliver unequalled police services through our mission statement and core values of integrity, respect and professionalism.”
Daly worked tirelessly to keep the public safe and to make residents aware of possible crimes, scams and trends that criminals were using. He would be seen at numerous public functions from the Memorial Day parade to the annual National Night Out event at which he would speak to residents with a smile and a caring approach.
Before taking over as Springfield’s chief, Daly served with the Lower Merion Police Department for nearly 39 years. Daly has degrees from Temple, Penn State and Villanova universities and the FBI National Academy.
When he took over in Springfield, Daly told the Daily Times that he considered himself a “modern traditionalist” in terms of law enforcement philosophy, Daly said that he believes in mixing up-to-date technology with traditional police values. Among the technology he brought to the township was cameras at various points along Baltimore Pike.
The crucible of war impacted his entire career. Daly is a former Marine, rising to the rank of sergeant, having received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
In his office, he keeps a remembrance of a fellow Marine who gave his life helping Daly, and the 88 members of his company who were killed in action and over 1,500 wounded, remain in his everyday thoughts.
The building of the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in 2013 helped him fulfill a promise to his comrades that never got to come home. He has been a vital part of that organization ever since, and is currently their president.
In 2008 Daly told the Main Line Times why he became a police officer.
“I knew I wanted to continue to serve the country in some fashion,” Daly said. “I knew I didn’t want to stay in the military, so I wanted to do something else. It occurred to me that through police work, I could continue that work.”
“Police work is so self-rewarding. There have been so many days, so many ways that we help people, even in simple ways, like giving directions or giving comfort at a scene,” said Daly at the time. “It’s one of those self-satisfying things. I can’t see myself doing anything else but serving the community.”
In addition to his responsibilities as police chief, Daly has been a vital force behind improving standards for police in Delaware County and the state. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association and the Pennsylvania law enforcement accreditation commission, which promotes and awards departments who meet professional standards.
“As I enter the final phase of my life, my fondest memories will be of my service here in Springfield,” Daly said about retiring. “The words don’t express my deep feelings of appreciation but thank you and God bless.”
