Published October 06. 2026 01:14PM
On Sept. 11, James DePalma retired from the Colonial Regional Police Department after serving for 38 years, the last five as chief, and took his final call in front of dozens of law enforcement personnel, friends and elected officials at the Hanover Township Community Center.
DePalma was honored with a plaque, a new golf bag, and the well wishes of elected officials. “I will be 10-7 for the last time,” said DePalma on his final call. “I left the place a better place than I found it,” said DePalma about his time as Chief.
In order to backfill the chief’s position, several transfers in the Colonial Regional Police Department’s command structure immediately followed DePalma’s retirement.
Lieutenant Darrin Wendling was pinned as the new Chief; Detective Sergeant Michael Enstrom was pinned to the rank of lieutenant; Sergeant Keith Kulp was pinned to the rank of detective sergeant; and Officer Justin Shipping was pinned to the rank of sergeant.
Press photos by Dana GrubbThe Colonial Regional Police Department serves Hanover Township Northampton County and Lower Nazareth Township.
Retiring Chief James DePalma retires on Sept. 11 taking his final call.
Retired Chief DePalma reads a plaque recognizing his 38 years of service.
Incoming Chief Darrin Wendling is pinned by his wife Marla.
Michael Enstrom is pinned to the rank of Lieutenant by his wife Dawn.
Justin Shipping is pinned to sergeant by his wife Judy.
Keith Kulp is pinned by his daughter Alexis to Detective Sergeant.
New Chief Darrin Wendling is congratulated by Bethlehem Township Chief Greg Gottschall and Palmer Township Chief Wayne Smith.
