Lansford Borough Council hired a part-time police officer Wednesday night, but continues to seek both full- and part-time officers to bring its police department’s ranks back up.

Council hired Gilbert Diaz pending background investigation and other clearances. Chief Kyle Woodward introduced Diaz, noting that he has seven years experience, and allowed him to speak.

Diaz, who hails from the Poconos, said he is currently an officer in White Haven borough, but was seeking part-time work. He was previously a K-9 officer, but also has experience in narcotics and traffic enforcement.

Council members asked if he would be interested in full-time employment, and Diaz said that he would consider that.

The borough continues to advertise for both part-time and full-time officers, as the department currently has four officers, including the chief.

Woodward said he hopes to bring on more experienced officers in the future.

Council also hopes to use its remaining pandemic-relief funds to purchase body cameras for its police officers, Council President Bruce Markovich said.

The borough has approximately $45,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds that hasn’t been allocated and must be committed the money before the end of the year.

The borough had considered shifting these remaining funds under a loss revenue provision in the act, but will look at body cameras instead.

The borough is also using $89,512 in other COVID-relief funding to purchase new portable radios for the American Fire Co. No. 1 of Lansford.

Council was going to apply for a state gaming grant to cover the purchase, but changed course to increase its chances at obtaining a Local Share Account grant for a new borough garage.

Markovich noted last week that communities across the state sought more than $1.3 billion in gaming grants and only $345 million was available in the last round.

The borough sought a $1 million grant for a new garage along Dock Street and Carbon County only received a total of $3.4 million of the gaming funds.

Council approved applying for another LSA grant for the garage, but will only seek $800,000. The borough will come up with the difference in cost.