At the Aug. 4 North Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners meeting, a new initiative was introduced to improve school safety by placing a dedicated school resource officer in the township’s three elementary schools: Ironton, Schnecksville and Kernsville.

Upper Macungie Township Manager Bob Ibach was originally scheduled to speak, but was unable to attend.

The board welcomed several special guests involved in the program: Upper Macungie Township Police Lt. Pete Nickischer, Officer William Rohrbach, who will serve as the school resource officer and Dr. Anthony Naradko, director of school safety and security for the Parkland School District.

Nickisher praised the collaboration between the Parkland School District, North Whitehall Township, the Pennsylvania State Police and Upper Macungie Township.

He introduced Rohrbach, noting his dedication, compassion and 11 years of experience in school and community outreach.

Rohrbach has previously served as an SRO in Upper Macungie Township and was instrumental in establishing its elementary school SRO program.

“Sometimes I feel like a teacher, sometimes a guidance counselor, sometimes an administrator but always, I’m there as a police officer dedicated to the well-being of our students,” Rohrbach told the board. “I look forward to building those same relationships in North Whitehall.”

Naradko expressed strong support for Rohrbach’s appointment.

“When we were selecting someone for this role, there was no question it had to be Bill. He understands the age group, the community and the importance of building trust with students and families,” he said.

Township Manager Randy Cope explained North Whitehall will contribute $14,377.90 toward upfitting the officer – 70% of the total cost reflecting the officer’s time spent within the township during the school year.

Upper Macungie Township will retain Rohrbach during the summer months.

“This is a home run for our township,” Cope said. “It enhances school safety and builds on the strong relationships we already have with local law enforcement and the Parkland School District.”

The board voted to approve the motion to fund the officer’s upfitting costs, pending a formal agreement between the municipalities.

This initiative complements other safety measures already underway in North Whitehall, including the planned installation of Flock safety cameras.

Resident Margaret Forgosh asked about the meaning of upfitting and it was explained there are approximately 53 items including “ ... a Taser, radio, handcuffs, the magazines and handgun, things along those lines, name plates, badges, flex jacket badges, wallet, badge and short sleeve shirts.”

Dennis Klusaritz praised the efforts and progress.

“We don’t have our own police department, but this partnership, along with the new camera system, is a smart and effective way to make our township safer.”

The school resource officer is expected to begin in time for the upcoming school year.

North Whitehall’s new township building is nearly finished, with a temporary certificate of occupancy expected by the end of the week.

Furniture, AV systems and security infrastructure have been installed and staff are preparing to move in.

The temporary office closed noon Aug. 7 and the new building opened and was ready to start operating noon Aug. 11, allowing time for final system testing that morning.

The elevator installation is scheduled to begin next week and should be completed by the end of August.

Officials noted the project remains $200,000 under budget, though some savings will be used to repair deteriorated trench drains in the public works garage.

Signage and finishing work continue this week and a full punch list walk through is planned to address remaining items.

Township meetings will continue at the current location through August, with the first board of supervisors meeting in the new space set for Sept. 8.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony, coordinated with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, is planned for early September.