When newly elected Councilman Bob Heimbecker took his chair on the Hanover Township Council, he proposed that the township acknowledge support the township is provided by the Pennsylvania State Police at the Troop M Bethlehem Barracks.

Without a local police department, any police matter in the township is referred to the state police.

Heimbecker originally proposed a day where state police could meet members of the community.

In later discussions with Troop M, which patrols the area, a single day presented logistical problems.

Instead, Troop M Commander Captain Brian Tobin, invited township representatives to its anniversary celebration held May 2.

The Bethlehem barracks, the headquarters location for Troop M, is nearby on Airport Road.

Pennsylvania State Police was established on May 2, 1905.

The police celebrate its founding with a recognition ceremony to pay tribute to troopers, active and retired, and to remember the sacrifice of 94 troopers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Hanover council Chairman Bruce Paulus, Heimbecker and Councilman Michael Woolley attended the ceremony.

In his remarks to the troop, Paulus thanked the officers for the support they provide to township.

"There is no doubt that Hanover Township residents and businesses could not receive better service and protection than we currently are provided by the fine officers of the state police," he said.

Paulus read a proclamation designating May 2 as Pennsylvania State Police appreciation day in Hanover Township.

The township also subsidized the cost of the luncheon.

"It allowed more people to participate in lunch after the ceremony," Paulus said.

Tobin expressed his appreciation for the township's support.

In a follow-up after the ceremony, Paulus asked council to expand its participation in the annual anniversary event.

"Local businesses might want to participate in some way. They could contribute cash to help defray the cost of the luncheon. Maybe we could have banners displayed that thank the state police," he said.

The council will look at options and coordinate a continued effort to support the event.

"Other municipalities might want to participate," Paulus said, explaining his plan to other council members.

There is strong support in council to continue the effort and to continue to build close working relations with the local state police cadre.