Mayor Royer discusses police news, flood relief, and Waynesboro's 9/11 observance in the September report
By Robb Helfrick
After an eventful summer, Waynesboro Mayor Dade Royer reflected on recent events and challenges during a monthly interview with The Daily Boro on September 4. He shared a local law enforcement update, discussed plans for Waynesboro’s September 11 observance, and expressed disappointment about a lack of flood relief for Waynesboro citizens.
Waynesboro celebrated its annual National Night Out in August, where first responders, non-profits, and other vendors mingled with citizens. Royer was pleased with the event, saying, “I talked with the vendors and people who attended; it was an enjoyable evening for our community.”
The town’s “Boro Bash 250” celebration scheduled for July 3 was rescheduled for August 22 because of extreme heat. “We had much cooler weather, so I’m glad the event finally took place.”
The mayor recognized the efforts of the three artists who initiated the America 250 banner project, with over 100 banners decorating downtown until November. Royer spoke at the event, as did State Rep. Chad Reichard. A special reading of the Declaration of Independence followed. “It was important we had the chance to celebrate that meaningful event,” Royer said.
July ended with a severe rainstorm that caused flash flooding throughout town. Royer declared a state of emergency, and the town applied for state relief funds. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency arrived in Waynesboro a few days later to assess the damage.
Borough leadership coordinated with PEMA representatives to help flood victims. Initial property damage observations appeared to qualify residents for funds, but ultimately the state denied sending relief to Waynesboro.
“Everyone in our local government was disappointed that residents didn’t receive anything,” Royer said. After the evaluation, certain PEMA thresholds weren’t met, but the mayor felt the process was skewed. “It almost felt like they were punishing smaller communities for not having enough damage. It was a major event for us; we had a lot of damaged properties.”
What followed was a month with more rain, which the mayor noticed. “Now when storms come through town, that flooding is on my mind. I can’t remember an August that was this wet.”
Police News
Mayor Royer said the three new police recruits are progressing through their training at the Police Academy in Harrisburg. “We had a busy year with hiring and getting our police force to a full staff.” Royer said he talks to the Chief of Police almost every day and keeps up to date on the new officers’ training.
The department’s three new drones (2 large copters, 1 smaller model) are functioning as planned. So far, the police department has one qualified pilot, but other officers will eventually receive training. The FAA sanctions that process, and it’s similar to obtaining a commercial pilot’s license. “The drone cameras have amazing capabilities,” Royer said. The smallest drone can go inside buildings if necessary.
The mayor discussed the ongoing search for a new home for the Waynesboro Police Department. Recently, the borough considered the old Citizens Bank building and placed a purchase option on the property. After a building inspection, converting the downtown structure (now the Counting House event facility) to a police facility was deemed infeasible. A Borough Council vote terminated the buyer’s option.
Royer expressed confidence that the right solution would come in due time, and the current borough hall situation is tenable. “We’re not in a crumbling building; we can adapt.”
The council approved a motion to move forward on the old Fifth Street CSX property for a fire station, but Royer said, “There are a lot of upcoming steps to go through.” He doesn’t envision a combined Fire/Police building, which was discussed in earlier plans. “But that’s the council’s decision, not mine.”
A combined Police/Fire facility would likely require a tax increase for a project of that scope. “With cost increases for labor and building materials, I don’t see them doing it,” Royer said. “It’s a fiscally conservative council.”
Royer stressed that vision was required when the borough eventually moves its police department. “You have to look forward and plan for 2076, not just 2026. You have to be wise with your money. But you also have to anticipate the future. We’re in a tough situation here in the borough with the tax base, since it’s not going to expand very much.”
To round out the police department discussion, Royer said local law enforcement is continuing its fight against illegal drugs. “That will never stop as long as I’m mayor.”
Royer mentioned that Waynesboro has a low occurrence of violent crimes, but cautioned that weapons are often associated with the distribution of drugs. “Our police department is laser focused on drugs because we’re small enough to do so, but big enough to have the resources to battle it.”
Royer said some Pennsylvania towns rely entirely on State Police resources, which forces them to be more reactive than proactive. “The main purpose of local government is to protect its citizens, and that’s what we intend to do.”
September 11 Observance
A few months earlier, Waynesboro citizen Steve Barry came to Royer with an idea. Barry owns a September 11 Memorial vehicle, a Ford Mustang decorated with custom artwork. The car honors the fallen and brave first responders in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, from September 11, 2001. He wanted to drive the car down Main Street on this year’s 25th anniversary of that tragic day, and asked for Royer’s advice.
Mayor Royer met with the Waynesboro police and fire chiefs, and Washington Township officials, to plan an honorary event. At 8:46 on September 11, 2026, local first responders and their vehicles will accompany Barry’s car from the Moose Club and proceed east down Main Street to Red Run Park, where an annual 9/11 ceremony takes place.
The Moose Club will serve breakfast to first responders before the procession, and Royer encourages Waynesboro’s citizens to come out to watch the honorary convoy. “It will be a solemn procession through town,” Royer said.
The patriotic procession will include at least 20 first responder vehicles and promises to be a moving sight. “I’m thankful it’s happening,” the mayor said.
Like most Americans over 40, Royer remembers that day a quarter century ago. He was working from home when the first plane hit the World Trade Center. “It’s hard to believe it’s been that long.” At that time, Royer’s son was a student at American University in Washington, DC. “We were very concerned about his safety, and of course, the country’s safety.”
Looking ahead to the fall season
Switching to a lighter subject, Royer was excited about the upcoming season and attending WASHS’s first home football game. “It looks like they have some talented athletes. I’m hopeful they’ll have a successful season.”
After Waynesboro’s opening game loss to local rival Greencastle, Royer joked that he was lucky he didn’t have a wager on the game like last year. When Waynesboro beat Greencastle in 2025, Mayor Ben Thomas had to wear a Waynesboro sweatshirt on the losing end of that bet. Royer avoided the flipside of that wager and didn’t have to wear a Blue Devil jersey this year.
Royer expressed his admiration for his fellow mayor, who has a prior law enforcement background. “Ben is a great guy; he’s very knowledgeable.” The two mayors are the same age, and Royer reaches out to Thomas occasionally. “If I need mayor advice, that’s who I go to.”
Royer is a Penn State alumnus and will attend the Buffalo game at State College in a few weeks. He is also a Steelers fan. “I love this time of year. I’m ready for September and October with playoff baseball and high school, college, and pro football.” Royer didn’t predict how PSU will fare this year, but said, “Hopefully they’ll cut loose and play football.”
With family ties to the Renfrew Museum property, Royer said he also looks forward to Renfrew’s upcoming Oktoberfest. “That’s a great fundraiser, and we always try to support them.”
Mainstreet Waynesboro has other events planned throughout the fall and into the holiday season. “We have an active downtown, and I credit Mainstreet for their creative programs and economic development. We have much to be thankful for with our great lifestyle and an affordable cost of living. Good things are happening here in Waynesboro.”
