A longtime Nesquehoning police officer received praise by borough officials as they promoted him to a newly created position.

On Wednesday, borough council adopted the job description for police sergeant and then offered the position to Patrolman Carl Breiner, a 25-year veteran with the force.

Borough solicitor Robert Yurchak said prior to the offer that the memorandum of understanding has been agreed upon by Tim Wuttke of the Fraternal Order of Police.

He stated that the new agreement works in addition to the current police contract in place.

Council approved the recommendation unanimously and asked Breiner, who was present, if he would take the position. Breiner had previously taken the necessary tests to move into the sergeant position and accepted it moments later.

“This man is right for the job,” said Mayor Tom Kattner, calling Breiner “Superman” for his dedication to the borough, including keeping the department operating several years ago when Nesquehoning had a shortage of police. “He pulled off a lot all by himself.”

Breiner said, “It is amazing what you can do when you do have a choice,” however, he was happy to do what needed to be done.

With regards to the new position, Breiner accepted it “with a real feeling of honor.”

Councilwoman Mary Fox thanked Breiner for sticking with the borough when things got tough.

Borough police Chief Brad Hess congratulated Breiner on his new position.

“Nobody is more deserving and more capable of doing this job,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working hand in hand with you for the next couple of years at least.”

Breiner has been with Nesquehoning Police Department for approximately 25 years and has seen a lot of changes in the town over that time.

He has seen staffing turnovers, residential demographics changes and a growing drug problem plaguing the country.

But one thing has always been a staple in his career: his dedication to serve the community and the residents.

In 2019, Breiner was also honored by the Nesquehoning Memorial VFW Post 8008 with the Officer of the Year Award.

Breiner’s new position went into effect Thursday.

Other police matters

In other police business, the borough approved three motions regarding needed equipment for the department. They are:

• Purchasing a new Glock in the amount of $1,048.

• Purchasing five new computers from Cloud Services at a cost of $11,118.85

• Purchasing Security and Office for the computers from Cloud Services at a cost of $7,781.99.

The computer purchase will allow the borough to discontinue spending $700 a month for a maintenance fee that it has been paying for years.

Councilman Bruce Nalesnik added that the purchase is coming from the COVID-19 relief funds.

The current computers for the police department are nearing end of life and will be removed and properly destroyed so no information can be compromised.

Hess thanked Narrow Valley Sportsplex and the staff, as well as everyone who attended last Friday’s first community night at the facility, which was well attended.

He also thanked the fire departments and fire police for coming out to help during emergencies.