Officers with the Upper Macungie Township Police Department were promoted Jan. 6 during a ceremony in the township building meeting room.

"This is a promotion ceremony for three members of the Upper Macungie Township Police Department, who were instrumental in the department meeting its goals throughout our first year in operation," Police Chief Edgardo Colon said at the ceremony.

Colon said the department has maintained a focus aimed at embracing and developing community-related initiatives and programs that continues to help the department add to the list of "community stakeholders."

"Just to name a few, we have participated in programs such as the Citizens Police Academy, the Junior Emergency Services Academy and National Night Out," Colon said. "I am extremely proud of the men and women of this department who have served with honor and distinction. As the police chief, I couldn't be more proud."

Colon said it is difficult to succeed as a police department unless there is the support, cooperation and buy-in of the community.

"We are using these endeavors and programs to bridge any gaps and further educate ourselves and the community," he explained.

Colon said taking an authoritative stance toward law enforcement has its place under certain circumstances.

However, having a persuasive posture seems to net the [best] value for both sides, he said.

"I believe the best recipe for providing the best service is staying well-trained, well-equipped and maintaining a high level of professionalism," Colon said. "Being progressive and innovative is equally important and we will continue to move in that direction."

Colon said the three officers presented at the ceremony exemplified the department's commitment to serving the community.

Lt. Joseph Buchanan Wilson has served as the commander of the Crime and Administration Division of the Department.

Wilson is a former member of the Pennsylvania State Police, having retired as a lieutenant.

He also served as the [Eastern Pennsylvania] Commander of the Special Emergency Response Team and as a station commander.

He was promoted to deputy police chief, and in addition to varied managerial responsibilities, will serve as the department accreditation manager as the department marches full steam toward accreditation.

Sgt. Peter Vincent Nickischer served as a patrol supervisor for the department.

Nickischer was a past member of the former Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department having served as a patrol officer, criminal investigator and community relations officer.

He also serves on the Lehigh County Municipal Emergency Response Team as a crisis negotiator.

Nickischer was promoted to lieutenant and will serve as the commander of the crime and community services division of the department.

Officer Dathan Jared Schlegel served as a patrol officer with the department.

He was a past member of the Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department having served as a patrol officer and patrol supervisor.

He is promoted to sergeant and will serve as a patrol supervisor.