The Whitpain Township Police Department announced that Joseph C. Stemple, retired Chief of Police, passed away on Thursday, April 4. He was 86 years old.

From the department’s announcement:

Chief Stemple dedicated 43 years of his life to law enforcement as a Whitpain Township Police Officer from 1963-2006. He was the Chief of Police for 26 years from 1980 until his retirement in 2006.

Chief Stemple had a distinguished career that included Patrol, Detective, Sergeant, and Chief of Police. He was a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy. He also served as President of the Police Chiefs Association of Montgomery County.

His leadership and integrity were unparalleled, and his absence will be significantly felt. We mourn a great man and an outstanding leader. Chief Stemple’s legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Chief Stemple lived most of his life in Blue Bell before moving to Collegeville, where he has lived for 21 years, his obituary said. 

He was a parishioner of St. Eleanor RC Church of Collegeville and served as President of the Montgomery County Police Chief’s Association, the Tri-County Police Chief’s Association, and the U.S. Army, his obituary said.

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