Families, police and other guests came out to the Oct. 21 South Whitehall commissioners’ meeting to honor Police Chief Thomas Toth and three other department officers who retired after long careers serving township residents.

There was lots of picture taking and hugs as everyone gathered to reminisce over cake and other refreshments.

Toth, hired in March 1975, contributed more than 40 years of service to the community.

A graduate of Central Catholic High School, Kutztown University and the Allentown Police Academy, Toth began his career as a patrol officer, then advanced to detective, corporal, criminal investigation division supervisor and lieutenant.

He was promoted to chief of police in 2000.

Toth was named Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer by the Parkland Area Jaycees in 1981 and received the Colonel John Schafer Memorial Award from the Lehigh County Chiefs of Police in 1993.

Also being celebrated was Acting Sgt. Jeffrey Natysyn, who joined the South Whitehall force in 1986.

He began as a patrol officer and served as first aid instructor, field training officer and coordinator of the NARC and RADAR Crime Watch groups.

He initiated the police bicycle patrol unit and conducted bicycle safety programs for youths in the township recreation program.

Natysyn’s service spans 29 yerars.

Patrol Officer and Youth Services Officer David Keck also retired.

Keck was hired in 1985.

He became a certified DARE instructor for students in Parkland School District.

He was assigned as a youth services officer in the criminal investigation division in 2012.

Keck also served on the police bicycle patrol unit and was a certified child safety seat technician.

He completed 30 years of service to township residents.

Detective Mark Keeler began his South Whitehall career as a patrol officer in 1985.

He was assigned as a detective to the criminal investigation division in 1994.

Keeler served as an NRA certified firearms instructor and as a member of the county municipal emergency response team as a hostage negotiation leader.

He received an award form the Pennsylvania Crime Victims Council for outstanding fundraising efforts.

Keeler has participated in numerous church mission trips to rebuild homes in communities inside and outside the United States.

He retires after 30 years of service to South Whitehall.

Commissioners approved John T. Christman as acting chief of police until a permanent chief is named.

Christman had been appointed earlier this year as deputy chief of police.