Girardville has new chief of police sworn in by mayor

John E. Usalis, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.

Feb. 16—GIRARDVILLE — The borough has a new chief of police with the promotion of Officer In Charge Frederick J. Lahovski Jr.

Lahovski completed his 90-day probationary period earlier in February after having been hired in November.

Mayor Michael Zangari conducted a swearing-in ceremony during the in-person borough council meeting at the municipal building Wednesday.

He and members of the police committee met with Lahovski when he was hired and an agreement was struck that a review would be done after 90 days and a recommendation made to council.

"The police committee and myself recommend that we appoint OIC Lahovski to chief of police," Zangari said. "We did go over expectations."

"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Lahovski said.

Borough officials and the public applauded following the ceremony.

With the promotion, Lahovski's hourly salary increases from $14.50 to $16.50, the rate for chief.

Zangari pointed out a display board in the meeting room with announcements from the police department, an adjunct to the news being posted to the police department Facebook page.

The board will be moved to the inside entrance of the municipal building.

"If there are ongoing incidents that the police need your help with or things you should know about, we'll try to update that as much as possible," Zangari said.

Lahovski was pleased with the new Facebook page as a way to get news and notices to the public.

He also spoke on the cooperation by residents in using home security cameras in identifying suspects.

"We are looking for people who are willing to assist us in accessing any home surveillance they may have," Lahovski said. "If anybody is willing to help us, we're happy for the help."

A native of Reading, Lahovski has worked in the county for about five years. He is retired from the Bethlehem Township Police Department, and he was a full-time police officer in McAdoo, beginning in 2016.

He also worked as a part-time officer in Kline and Rush townships. In addition to Girardville, he is a part-time officer in Coaldale and Tamaqua.

An Alvernia University graduate, he is also a Marine Corps veteran.

After the meeting, Zangari said: "He is very outgoing and a lot of people know him. He has some new ideas. Over the last three months, he has been doing really well."

To contact the police department for non-emergencies, call 570-276-6955 or email girardvillepd65@gmail.com. Call 911 for all emergencies.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

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