After 27 years with the Salisbury Township Police Department, retired chief and Lansford resident Kevin Soberick says he “cannot think of a better place for a police officer to work.”

He said the support he received from township Manager Cathy Bonaskiewich and township commissioners was exceptional. “It makes a tough job much easier when you have the support of the people you work for.”

Soberick officially retired on Nov. 1, but had given his letter of resignation to the township weeks before.

“This is a very hard one for everyone, including Chief Soberick,” Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners President Debra Brinton said when she read from the agenda at the Oct. 27 township meeting: “Resolution accepting the retirement of Mr. Kevin J. Soberick.”

Commissioners voted unanimously 5-0 to approve the resolution.

“He’s gong to be deeply missed,” Brinton said.

Brinton continued, addressing Soberick, “Thank you for 27 years of dedicated service.”

Turning to the audience of officials, township police officers, family and friends who nearly filled the municipal building meeting room, Brinton said, “He [Soberick] took us through a very difficult time during COVID.”

Soberick was appointed township police chief in September 2019.

Approximately six months later, the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown happened in mid-March 2020.

“I can’t remember a time when you weren’t here,” Brinton said to Soberick, referring to his 27-year township police department career.

The commissioners announced at the Oct. 27 meeting that township police Sgt. Don Sabo will succeed Soberick as chief.

Soberick said when he was promoted to chief he had a major goal to foster “more involvement with township residents.” The countrywide shutdown and isolation of residents to combat the spread of COVID made that much more difficult.

Soberick said the sharpening of the police department’s social media and Facebook presence has provided an alternative way of interacting with residents.

“To many of our citizens, the internet has become the primary way we interact,” Soberick said.

The use of social media has become a “real time” way for the department to get out timely information on everything from fires and accidents, roadway problems and congestion, to police reuniting lost pets with their owners.

Soberick said his decision to retire was not an easy one.

“It was an emotional day when I walked my retirement papers down to Cathy (Bonaskiewich,)” Soberick said.

The thought of more time with his wife, Erin, and their son, Anthony, made the decision easier.

“The hours away from home and round-the-clock shifts required of a police officer is one of the toughest parts of the job,” Soberick said. “My wife has taken a lot of family pictures over the years,” he said. “And I’m not in them.”

The couple’s son, Anthony, has grown into a young adult, and is embarking on a career in emergency services and acquiring the needed training. “He was happy with my decision to retire and pleased that I’ll be there to support his efforts.”

Soberick’s father was a longtime member of the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company. Soberick plans to continue his father’s legacy and to continue as an assistant chief.

Son Anthony also is a firefighter. “At a recent working fire, my son was ‘nozzle man’ while I was just behind him helping to advance the hose.”

Soberick said that was a “proud moment” for him.

He said has no plans to use his law enforcement experience in the private sector.

“I’m just going to hit the ‘reset’ button and enjoy time with my family.

“I’m leaving the Salisbury Police Department at a high point. These 27 years have been a good ride.”

Paul Willistein contributed to this story.