Lehighton has named a temporary replacement to guide its police department until a new police chief is hired.

At a special meeting on Tuesday, borough council after an executive session appointed Gabe Szozda as officer in charge, effective today.

Borough Mayor Clark Ritter said Szozda will remain officer in charge until the police department has a new chief.

Also on Tuesday, council approved the memorandum of understanding with police Chief Brian Biechy.

Biechy’s last day was Tuesday. He was originally set to retire Aug. 10.

“He (Biechy) decided to leave earlier, and that’s what he did,” Ritter said.

Earlier this month, council after an executive session approved the Intercounty Investigations & Solutions Inc. proposal in the amount of $3,095 for Chief of Police Applicant Background Investigation.

Council at a special meeting last month agreed to advertise for the chief of police position. The next police chief will manage a department of 11 full-time officers and 1.5 civilian employees.

It has a population of 5,500, and a police budget of about $1.9 million.

The chief plans, organizes and supervises all functions of the police department to include patrol, investigations and administration.

The person must be community-focused and have the leadership, management, and interpersonal skills to maintain and advance the department’s standing as a progressive, professional and innovative police agency.

Applicants must have demonstrated executive potential with at least 15 years of law enforcement experience, including a minimum of five years of experience in a command position.

A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required. The candidate must be certified by MPOETC and possess a current Act 120 certification, or be capable of becoming certified.

The salary range is $90,000-$100,000 with an excellent benefit package. Exact salary will depend on qualifications/experience.

In December, council accepted Biechy’s notice of retirement and approved the Lafayette College Meyner Center proposal for recruitment services for the chief of police position, and the consulting rate of $95 per hour for any work outside of the proposal.

Biechy became police chief in December 2013.

Biechy’s salary was $88,400.

He began as a part-time officer in the borough in 1988, and became full-time in 1989.