Slatington’s police department was honored by its new police chief Monday night during the council meeting.

Chief Greg Winokur presented each of the officers with a certificate of recognition for their teamwork and dedication to the community and the department while the borough was looking for a new police chief.

“The police officer’s badge is a symbol of commitment and dedication to the community the officers are sworn to protect. It’s a powerful symbol that represents the motto of officers around the world, which is to protect and serve. It represents honor and integrity for those who affix it to their uniform,” Winokur said.

The police chief talked about resilience in times of misfortune or change, and how the Slatington Police Department was flexible and overcame its challenges.

The position of police chief became vacant in November 2022 when Chief Dennis Long resigned for personal reasons. It was the second time the position was empty in one year. Chief David Rachman left in January 2022 after being with the department for 16 years. Winokur was sworn in on March 13.

Over the last four months, “the men and women of this department were tasked with many administrative assignments, along with their normal patrol duties and investigations,” Winokur said.

The officers often put in extra hours to complete their tasks, which caused them to work long days and sacrifice time with their families so that the department could continue “to provide the same level of police services that the Slatington community has become accustomed to without interruption,” he said.

“These officers adapted with each new need and overcame the challenges by working together. Through all of this, they continued to maintain a positive, professional demeanor. Through the course of their efforts, public safety issues continued to be addressed and calls for services answered,” Winokur said. “Too often the work done by police officers goes unnoticed, however, today I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation.”

Winokur also gave special recognition to Sgt. Deron Dorward, who served as the acting police chief in the interim.

“There is one person who was tasked with taking on the position of acting police chief. This position required a significant amount of time to ensure daily, weekly and monthly documentation of reports were completed. That schedules were filled, that protocols and policies were continued to be adhered to. This position was also done alongside his normal patrol duties and investigations and also resulted in longer than usual shifts to help ensure that the department continued to move in a direction forward,” Winokur said.

“Because of his efforts and leadership the police department was successful in this mission. My gratitude goes out to Sgt. Dorward for stepping into this role during the vacancy, and I would also like to award him with a letter of recognition.”

Everyone in the room clapped for the officers, and the supervisors stood to honor them.