Palmer Sworn in as Palmer's new Police Chief

There's now a Palmer in charge of Palmer.

Larry Palmer, the former police chief in Easton for 13 years, was sworn in as Tuesday night, taking over as the top law enforcement officer in the town he has lived in for 20 years.

"I'm so excited. This is a new challenge. And I'm very surprised by the support," Palmer said following his swearing-in ceremony.

Palmer was given the oath of office by District Judge Jacqueline M. Taschner before his wife Donna and a crowd of family, friends and members of the Palmer and Easton police forces, who crowded the small meeting room in the township's library.

After taking the oath, Palmer kissed his wife and then shook hands with township supervisors before Township Manager Christopher Christman presented him with his badge.

"Welcome aboard," Christman said.

Palmer's first day on the job is Monday. He will earn $90,000.

"I'd like to thank the board for selecting me," Palmer said. "I've laid out quite an extensive plan for the force. And after riding along with some of the officers over the past few weeks, they all seem willing to try some different things."

Deacon Walter Bright of the Greater Shiloh Church in Easton told the crowd about how Palmer helped fund a basketball league at the church six years ago after three kids were killed in the city in 10 days.

"He had so much impact on the kids that they really liked the police," Bright said. "He served 500 kids over five years with the basketball league. Our loss is Palmer Township's gain."

Former Easton Mayor Phil Mitman showed off a photograph of when the city's police department became accredited by the state in August 2007.

"We went from a department that was challenged to one of the 50 best in the state," Mitman said. "Our department is now in excellent shape. You're getting a man of integrity and character. You have a tremendous chief."

Palmer replaces , who submitted his letter of retirement to the board Jan. 23 after 41 years on the force. His last day as police chief is Sunday. The township received 27 applications for the job.