John T. Christman, who has been serving as acting South Whitehall police chief since the retirement of Chief Thomas Toth, has been named the township’s chief of police.

South Whitehall Township commissioners made the announcement on Wednesday evening.

Chief Christman, 49, was hired by South Whitehall Township as a patrol officer in September 1992.

A graduate of William Allen High School, Allentown, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Thomas Edison State College, Trenton, N.J.

Christman is a graduate of both the Allentown Police and Pennsylvania State sheriff’s academies.

He is also a veteran of the United States Army.

In his 23-plus year career with the police department, Christman has risen through the ranks as corporal (1999), lieutenant (2009), captain (2014), deputy chief (2015) and then acting chief (2015).

During those years, Christman has held various assignments and certifications including field training officer, assistant Lehigh County MERT Team commander and instructor ratings for multiple firearm disciplines.

Christman is a member of the South Whitehall Township Public Safety Commission, a member of both South Whitehall and Lehigh County Emergency Management Agencies, and the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council Shooting Sports Committee.

He has successfully obtained grants for various police activities associated with the Parkland School District, Dorney Park and established the township’s police department’s Explorer Post 4444 program in 2014.

Christman assumed the position of chief of police after a formal swearing-in ceremony Nov. 18 at the township commissioners’ meeting.