On January 2, 1950, the badge was passed from Cheltenham Township Police Chief Theodore H. Hallowell (left) to new police chief S. Clarence Johnston, a 1930 graduate of Cheltenham High School.

Chief Johnston grew up in Elkins Park working at his father’s grocery store at Stahr and Old York roads. In 1937, he joined the Cheltenham Township police force after graduating with honors from his police training program.

He became a Sergeant in 1946 and remained so until he was appointed Chief. Known to his officers as a “fair, honest guy,” he headed the then 64-member force from 1950 to 1971. He served as Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association President from 1970-1971.

He retired in 1973, as shown in the bulletin below:

At Cheltenham High, Clarence was the manager of both the basketball and baseball teams and was active in the school plays.

Local historian Chuck Langerman met Johnston in 1967 when his sixth-grade Cheltenham Elementary class visited the old township administration building, which was the former home of Philadelphia ice cream magnate Henry W. Breyer.  

According to Langerman, back then the police department was in the kitchen of the Colonial mansion.

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