Potsdam police chief retiring for personal reasons

POTSDAM — Village Police Chief Edward F. Tischler announced Monday that he is stepping down from his post and moving to the private sector at the end of March.

“After 24 years of law enforcement altogether, I was looking for maybe a change, and certain career opportunities were addressed to me,” he said.

Chief Tischler said he has a job lined up at a local private investigation firm but did not give any more details.

“I had planned on staying longer, but some opportunities arose and I felt this was a good time to make the change,” he said.

Mayor Steven W. Yurgartis said Chief Tischler will work out of his Potsdam home for Syracuse-based Amric Associates Ltd.

“It’s not unusual for these fellows to retire at a young age and take on another job,” Mr. Yurgartis said. “We’re sorry to see Ed go, certainly, but he has a good opportunity.”

Village trustees and Chief Tischler say his decision to step down is not related to the ongoing investigation into the murder of 12-year-old Garrett J. Phillips.

Garrett was found dead Oct. 24 in his Market Street apartment after neighbors heard screams and called police. Since the murder, no arrests have been made and little information has been made public.

“This won’t affect the investigation,” Chief Tischler said. “Not at all.”

He said there is still a chance someone will be arrested before he leaves March 31, but did not say whether he had any suspects.

“A lot can happen in two months,” he said.

Throughout the investigation, Garrett’s family has also been silent.

“The family is aware of what’s going on,” Chief Tischler said.

The village board will act on his resignation letter during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday.

Village Trustee Reinhold J. Tischler, who is the chief’s brother, said the chief has been considering leaving the department for awhile.

“It has absolutely nothing to do with the murder investigation,” he said.

Village Trustee Ruth F. Garner said she wasn’t aware the chief was retiring.

“It is a very efficient office,” Mrs. Garner said.

She said village trustees have not pressured Chief Tischler for answers on Garrett’s death.

“You can’t solve a case in 26 minutes like they do on TV,” Mrs. Garner said.

Chief Tischler was appointed chief of police in June 2010 after two decades on the force, succeeding John A. Kaplan.

A 1978 graduate of Potsdam High School, he attended SUNY Canton before joining the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. He became a member of the Potsdam Police Department in 1990, serving as lieutenant before his appointment to chief.

He sent a letter to the village Board of Trustees on Friday to notify it of his intentions.

Village Administrator David H. Fenton said the first thing the village will do is try to find a candidate within the department.

“I would prefer someone that knows the community well,” he said. “But it’s really up to the board.”