Nesquehoning welcomed its new police chief to his first official council meeting as the head of the department.

On Wednesday, council introduced Bradley Hess, who was named the police chief last month after then police Chief Michael Weaver resigned to take another position out of the area. Weaver left the job earlier this week.

Hess worked an officer in Nesquehoning for a year-and-a-half, with the last six month working closely with Weaver on various community initiatives.

He has 13 years experience in police work, having served in neighboring Rush Township.

Hess said he plans to maintain the programs Weaver implemented to create a stronger community presence.

“I look forward to continuing those programs and hopefully grow them more,” he said. “I want to build the department even better than it was and am trying to improve on things that he (Weaver) already put in place and keep moving forward.”

He thanked council for the opportunity to lead the force.

In other police matters, council announced that the position of sergeant will be posted in-house for officers to apply for.

There has also been three applications for a full-time officer. The deadline to apply for that position has been extended through the end of December.

Council also approved hiring Bejtullah Mehmeti as a part-time officer for the borough.