Lehigh Township supervisors voted after an executive session Tuesday night to offer the police chief job to Sgt. John Henry, who has been acting officer-in-charge.

Henry, a 26-year veteran of the department, stepped up after Scott Fogel’s retirement resignation in August.

No salary was discussed Tuesday.

Fogel’s resignation came after months of public scrutiny and the township’s involvement in a $1.75 million federal lawsuit. Former township officer Jessica Edwards alleged in the suit that Fogel sexually harassed, physically accosted and retaliated against her during her five years on the force.

The township paid $275,000 in back wages to Edwards. Insurance covered the remainder of the settlement. Township officials did not admit wrongdoing as part of the resolution.

The settlement agreement showed Fogel collected more than $13,000 in unused leave and will keep family health benefits through the end of the year.

Under the separation terms, Fogel remained on administrative duty status until his departure, collecting regular paychecks of $4,297.99 on July 10, July 24 and Aug. 7. He was prohibited from performing any police duties during that period.

On Aug. 7, the township issued Fogel a $13,080.82 check covering 195.5 vacation hours and 48 personal hours. Mandatory payroll deductions applied to the payout. The township also extended his family health coverage through Dec. 31.

The agreement, obtained through a Times News right-to-know request, further requires the township to provide only a neutral reference, confirming job title and dates of service. Fogel will also receive a retirement badge and identification.

The settlement includes a broad release of claims, with Fogel waiving any right to pursue legal action against the township.

The document specifically bars claims of wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, retaliation and entitlement to a hearing under state or federal law.

“Fogel forever waives and relinquishes all rights to assert any claim for recall, reemployment, or tenure with the township,” the agreement read.

He was required to return township property within 10 days of his resignation, including weapons, uniforms, electronics and vehicles.

Fogel had been chief since 2012.

In a related police matters, Henry reported earlier in the meeting, “We had 489 calls in November and 10 arrests.”

The township’s officer candidate graduates from the police academy Friday and will start with the township Dec. 17.

Officer Anthony Stinemire’s probation is over Dec. 17. Henry recommended that he be added as a full-time officer.

He was sworn in Dec. 12, 2024.

The board agreed.