Politics & Government
Palmer Township Hires Three Part-Time Police Officers
Police chief pleased department is up to full staff.
Palmer Township just got a little safer.
The , at its first meeting in a month Tuesday night, approved a recommendation by Police Chief Bruce W. Fretz to hire three part-time officers.
The officers are Kenneth J. McPherson of Easton, Patrick A. Clinese of Pen Argyl and Nathan J. Correll of Wind Gap.
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They were sworn in by Supervisor David E. Colver, who read the oath to them.
"Thanks for supporting these guys and we look forward to seeing them in uniform soon," Colver told family and friends who had gathered to witness the swearing-in ceremony.
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They were greeted with a round of applause and handshakes from each supervisor.
The officers met the standard qualifications and certifications for employment, the chief said. Two graduated from the police academy and one came from another police department.
Fretz said the officers will help cover vacation and holiday hours. The department employs 33 full-time officers and six part-time officers. It was unclear when the new hires would begin their tenures.
In May, the township made a similar appointment by hiring three part-time : Ricky Knecht, Stephen Schleig and Michael Spinozzi. At that time, the department had hoped to hire full-time officers to fill the three full-time vacancies but budget cuts delayed that move.
Fretz said he was pleased with the hirings.
"We're up to full staff for the most part," he said. "The township is safe and secure."
In other township business:
* Supervisors approved ordinances related to the police pension plan and sold three township vehicles at auction.
* Township Manager Christopher Christman stated that the township sustained between $90,000 and $100,000 in damage from and that Federal Emergency Management Agency inspectors had toured the township. Christman said the township is qualified for federal reimbursement but is waiting further details from Northampton County officials.
* Supervisor Robert Smith said he would take a tour Wednesday of the township's parks and recreation facilities to determine what repairs and improvements are needed. Smith said he would provide the supervisors with an update at their next meeting.