A borough resident with more than 28 years in law enforcement is Lehighton’s new chief of police.

After about a one-hour and 10-minute executive session, borough council on a 5-0 vote Monday named Troy Abelovsky to the post.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky abstained from the vote because she is married to Abelovsky. Councilman Darryl Arner was absent.

Troy Abelovsky was hired under the terms of a one-year contract at a salary of $100,000, prorated through the end of the year. The contract calls for a 4% raise in 2024, which would push his salary to $104,000.

After the meeting, Abelovsky said he intends to start in his new capacity by the end of this month.

“It is an honor to have been chosen to serve as the next Lehighton Borough Chief of Police,” Abelovsky said in a prepared statement.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead and work alongside the dedicated men of this department, and to represent both them and this great community,” Abelovsky said. “I am fully aware of the tremendous responsibility that comes with this position, and I am committed to serving the people of Lehighton and the members of our department with dedication and fairness.”

Abelovsky added, “Lehighton is an ever-changing town and with change comes new challenges. It will be my goal to maintain that Lehighton is a place where everyone not only can be safe - but also feels safe.”

“Lehighton will not only be my new place of employment, it is where I call home and where I chose to raise my family,” he said. I vow to uphold an unwavering commitment to public safety and community service. Together, we will address challenges, build trust, and ensure that Lehighton remains a safe and supportive place for all.

“I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with our staff, community members, and municipal leaders, in our shared mission to make Lehighton a place where everyone can confidently live, work, and visit, knowing that their safety and well-being remains our number one priority.”

A 1993 graduate of Northampton Area High School, Abelovsky has been employed by the Bethlehem Township Police Department, Bethlehem Township, since 2000. He became sergeant of their department in March. Before that, he was their Cpl. from 2015-2023, and a patrolman from 2000 to 2015.

He previously worked as a patrolman for the Macungie Police Department from 1998-2000, and Walnutport Police Department from 1996-1998.

Abelovsky is a graduate of the Allentown Police Academy, where he graduated with 95.97%, and completed with Act 120 Certification in 1995.

Throughout his career, he has earned over a dozen certifications, and won various awards, such as eight unit citations for Specific Critical Incidents during police duties; Merit for Operation Nighthawk (DUI Program); Letters of Commendation from community members for his services; St. Luke’s Adult Level 1 Trauma Center Award (2015); and Project Lifesaver Certificate of Commendation (2022).

In September council accepted the resignation of former police chief Joe Sparich.

Cpl. Bruce Broyles has been as officer-in-charge.

Sparich, of Weatherly, was appointed as police chief by council on a 3-2 measure in July 2022 at a salary of $95,000.