South Whitehall commissioners appointed Eric A. Kleintop to the position of patrol officer at a ceremony Aug. 21.

After District Judge Jake Hammond administered the oath of office, Kleintop received his badge, which was pinned on his uniform by his mother, Donna.

South Whitehall Police Chief Thomas Toth commented on Kleintop's credentials.

"Eric was an outstanding candidate," Toth said. "He had the highest combined score in the written test, oral interview and physical fitness section of the entire group of applicants."

The testing process began in April by individuals on the the township civil service list.

A graduate of Parkland High School, Kleintop earned his Bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Temple University and Act 120 certification through the Allentown Police Academy.

Kleintop, 24, resides in Slatington.

He will be assigned to the patrol division and will begin the field training program.