Lansford Borough has a new police chief.

Borough council on Wednesday hired Kyle Woodward of Jim Thorpe as its next chief after enlisting the state Chiefs of Police Association to conduct a search back in August.

Council President Bruce Markovich said that they had outstanding candidates apply for the position, starting out with 11.

Six candidates dropped out due to distance from where they lived or the borough being unable to meet their economic needs, he said.

“I can tell you that we had an attorney. We had people with multiple years of experience,” Markovich said. “We had excellent candidates for this.”

Council interviewed five candidates through the process, and selected from four after Kevin Soberick, brother of retired chief Jack Soberick, withdrew his name due to potential controversy and threats.

The borough has been without a chief since Jack Soberick retired in May 2022.

Woodward, whose hiring is conditioned upon approval of his contract, is expected to start by the first of the year. His salary will be $80,000 annually and rise to $84,000 in the second year, Markovich said after the meeting.

Woodward talked with residents before the council meeting, and those in attendance congratulated and wished him well following the hire.

Woodward, who attended the Allentown Police Academy, began his career in 1995 as an officer in Coaldale, Rush Township and Tamaqua, where he grew up and his father, George, served as an officer and chief for 30 years.

In 1998, Woodward was hired by the Baltimore County Police Department in Maryland, where he remained for 21 years. He returned to the area, assisting the Tamaqua Area School District with the formation of Tamaqua Area School District Police.

“My goals and objectives are simple, but clear: community policing,” he wrote in a prepared statement to the Lansford community. “I envision officers that are seen in the public out on patrol on a regular basis. Community investment - We will work with the community to solve a variety of issues.

“If there is a problem in your neighborhood, bring it to an officer or myself. Voice your concern. We welcome your input,” he wrote.

Woodward noted that his grandmother, Mary Jaso, raised his mother and uncle on West Snyder Street in Lansford, and he spent countless hours in the community growing up.

“When I came back to the area three years ago, I was shocked at how things had changed,” Woodward wrote. “I am here because I know I can bring positive change.”

Council expects to hold a special meeting to approve Woodward’s contract before the end the year. Woodward has already met with officers and spent time in the borough as he prepares to begin his new role.