Chief Foley has been a part of the Ambler Borough Police Department for 40 years,  and this year, after a full and dedicated career, he plans to retire.

Immediately after graduating from Wissahickon High School, William Foley served in the Navy from 1972-1976.  He also started working for the Ambler Borough Police force part time in 1976, moving to full time by 1977.  Foley has always felt that his proudest memories center around Ambler’s strong sense of community.

“There have always been influences professionally and in the community, that have shaped our department and Ambler Borough.  These influences massage all of us into place.

Since I’ve lived in Ambler we have always been blessed with good mayors- they have never lost hope in Ambler, and we still have that today… Ambler has always been a draw with whatever the present attraction was, for example when I was younger, the Wyndham Hotel was always a hot spot for dinner on Friday nights…the business community has always reflected who lived in Ambler.  We experienced a bit of a lull when the Plymouth Meeting Mall and the Montgomery Mall were built, but because the business owners have always been forward thinking, the town and our community has grown and continue to progress.  Now, Ambler has great restaurants, theaters and businesses that are a huge draw.

Ambler keeps changing and progressing – It’s a good thing. We have always progressed and keep moving in a positive direction…”

As far as his career and work in the Police Department, Chief Foley recalls:

“From my early days of my career until now, our profession has grown, just like Ambler Borough has…there is much more that is put into the law enforcement profession each and every year to adapt to those changes…instead of bar fights, it’s cyber crime.

We stay highly trained and prepared for any state of emergency…we train often with the Lower Gwynedd Police Department and the Whitpain Police Department, so that we are all on the same page in case of an unfortunate incident.”

Once retired, Chief Foley is looking forward to spending more time with his family, his grandchildren and his 88 year old mother, but also admits that he has never not worked and would entertain the possibility of having a role in Ambler Borough Council because he would like to continue to help the community grow.  At the end of our conversation, Chief Foley remarked:

“This town has meant so much to me, that I can’t just see walking away.”