The borough of North Catasauqua has suffered a terrible loss with the death of Police Chief Kim Moyer, who died suddenly and unexpectedly July 13.

According to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, Moyer died of natural causes.

A beloved civil servant, husband and father, Moyer served with the North Catasauqua Police Department for 45 years, acting as police chief for 40 years. Borough records indicate he became a police officer Feb. 1, 1974, and was promoted to police chief by former Mayor William Molchany Sr. in 1979.

During those years, Moyer saw North Catasauqua through countless changes.

In 1974, the borough hall was located at the corner of Sixth and Arch streets, on a tiny plot of land that is now the Porter-Chapman Masonic Lodge parking lot. At that time, North Catasauqua Police Department occupied just one room of the building. The department was part of a joint police force with Northampton, and North Catasauqua was car No. 3, of three total patrol vehicles.

North Catasauqua Police Department has come a long way, but all of the modernization and progress it has seen since that time came through the hard work and passion of Moyer.

His service to the borough did not just stop with the police force. During his long and dedicated career, he also took on the role of public works director from 2010 to 2014, while the borough transitioned to hiring the current public works supervisor, Travis Brett.

Other local police and fire departments - including Coplay Fire Department, Whitehall Township Police Department, Whitehall Township Fire Department, Macungie Police Department and the Lehigh County Fire Police Association - took to social media to offer condolences to Moyer’s family and colleagues.

Borough council President Peter Paone and Mayor William Molchany Jr. brought grief counselors in over the weekend to help North Catasauqua police officers and borough officials navigate Moyer’s sudden and unexpected death.

At a council meeting July 15, Molchany shared words of appreciation and admiration for the chief.

Annette Englert, borough treasurer, announced at the meeting that North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park, 701 Grove St., will be decorated with thin blue-line flags to honor Moyer.

The Moyer family held a private service July 14 at Brubaker Funeral Home, Catasauqua, which was attended by North Catasauqua borough officials and police officers from around the area. Memorial contributions can be made to the Angel 34 Foundation for pediatric cancer patients, 750 Center Road, Nazareth, 18064 or to Camp Papillon Shelter, a no-kill animal shelter, 128 Brainerd Lane, Stroudsburg, 18360.

In a news release announcing the chief’s passing, North Catasauqua Police Department concluded with this:

“Rest now, Chief, your final tour of duty is complete. You have lived a life of valor, integrity and dedication. Values which all men and women should strive to attain. You are the foundation on which our police department was built. You have instilled your values on all of those who have had the honor and privilege of working under you. You have trained cadets and forged them into ranking officials and leaders who can be found in departments throughout the commonwealth and beyond. You were not just a boss, you were a leader, a role model, a father figure and, most importantly, a friend. Until we meet again at the pearly gates, we will strive to live in your honor and continue your great legacy. May you forever rest in peace.”