Accused Police Officer Impersonator Terminated From Horsham Fire Co.

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — The man charged with impersonating a police officer after a road rage incident in Hatboro was a member of the Horsham Fire Company.

Well, not anymore.

The Horsham Fire Company No. 1 released a statement Wednesday regarding the actions of former member William McNichol.

"We want to make it absolutely clear that Mr. McNichol acted entirely on his own and without any direction, guidance, or influence from the fire company," Horsham Fire Chief Lee Greenberg said in a letter.

McNichol, 60, was charged with impersonating a public servantand harassment following an incident last month, Hatboro police said.

Police said McNichol, who is not a police officer, conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of South York Road and Byberry Road following a road rage incident on June 21.

Greenberg said none of the training or instruction McNichol received during his fire company membership would have "led him to believe that his actions were appropriate, acceptable, or lawful."

The fire chief said the fire company acted "swiftly and decisively" to terminate McNichol's membership after learning that he would be charged criminally.

"We want to be unequivocal: The Horsham Fire Company No. 1 has not, and will not 'cover for our guy.' We hold the public's trust as our highest priority, and we understand and acknowledge the concerns and disappointment expressed by our community," Greenberg said.

The fire chief extended the fire company's sincere apologies to those impacted by McNichol's actions.

"We remain committed to serving the Horsham community with integrity, transparency, and accountability," Greenberg said.

A preliminary hearing for McNichol is scheduled for Aug. 21.