At the Nov. 19 meeting of the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, the township had the honor of formally recognizing three newly hired police officers during a ceremonial badge pinning.

Officers James Myers, Brandon McGinness and Samantha Janner were introduced by Police Chief Frank Lombardo, who thanked the board and township administration for their continued support in expanding the department.

“This is a good day for the department as we acquire three more officers,” Lombardo said, noting this year’s hiring cycle drew the highest number of applicants who selected South Whitehall as their first choice.

He credited the department’s strong culture and family atmosphere for attracting high-quality candidates.

Addressing the new officers directly, Lombardo outlined three expectations: take care of the community, take care of the agency and take care of each other.

He emphasized professionalism, courtesy and the importance of going “the extra mile” in citizen interactions, adding every officer represents not only themselves but the entire department and the profession.

He also stressed leadership at every level.

“Every one of you is a leader, regardless of your time on the job,” he said, urging officers to intervene when needed and support one another on calls.

Safety was a central theme, with Lombardo highlighting national data showing motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of accidental officer deaths in 2024.

Seat belt use, prudent driving and backing up fellow officers on assignments were nonnegotiable standards, he said.

Speaking to the families in attendance, Lombardo acknowledged the risks of police work but emphasized the department’s commitment to training, equipment and supervision.

“While I can’t promise absolute safety, I can promise the best preparation we can provide,” he said, adding his door “is always open.”

Myers graduated from the Seward Institute in 2013 before serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and three years in the U.S. Army as an infantry mortarman.

He attended the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 2022 and served as a Trooper First Class with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

He chose South Whitehall for the camaraderie and professionalism he experienced during the recruitment process.

McGinness, a 2015 graduate of Hazleton Area High School, studied criminal justice at Temple University and Luzerne County Community College.

He served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve and graduated from the Lackawanna College Police Academy in 2018.

McGinness spent eight years with the Hazleton Police Department, where he served as a K-9 officer.

Lombardo noted he becomes the department’s 16th officer with military experience, representing more than 30% of the force.

Janner graduated from Panther Valley High School in 2015, where she played varsity football as a cornerback.

She attended the Lackawanna Police Academy in 2023 and began her law enforcement career with the Nesquehoning Police Department.

Janner said she entered policing to help those in need and stand up for what’s right and she chose South Whitehall for its dedication to community engagement and officer development.

The chief explained McGinness and Janner pinned each other because the two already knew one another, joking that during the hiring process there had been conversations about what would happen “if we hire one and the other doesn’t make it.” Fortunately, he said, it “worked out just fine.”

The board also held the second reading of the 2026 proposed township budget.

Director of Finance Tricia Dickert reviewed each fund, noting the budget reflects months of work, including the October workshop and the first reading earlier in November.

She highlighted a projected $21.91 million general fund budget with steady expenditures and a fund balance that remains well above policy requirements.

A major focus of the presentation was the fire fund, where a millage increase from 0.47 to 2.75 mills is proposed to support long-term fire apparatus replacement needs identified in a 2025 Pennsylvania DCED study.

Dickert explained the increase will position the township to manage major equipment replacements through 2035.

She also reported water fund revenues are projected at $10.83 million and, despite a 4.55% rate increase from Lehigh County Authority, no water rate increase will be passed on to residents.

In the sewer fund, a 4% rate increase is proposed to keep pace with rising LCA charges and infrastructure needs.

No refuse rate increase is planned for 2026 and the refuse fund remains stable under the current five-year contract.

Dickert further noted that following voter approval of the November referendum, the township expects approximately $900,000 in new revenue for land preservation initiatives.

Around $1.09 million in ARPA funds remains, most of which is allocated toward the replacement of the township’s aging aerial fire truck, expected to arrive late in 2026.

She also outlined $4.58 million in capital projects planned for 2026, supported by grants, interfund transfers and prior-year carryover.

Commissioners thanked staff for what several described as the most organized and professional budget cycle in recent years.

Commissioner Jacob Roth encouraged residents to review the fire apparatus study included in the agenda, calling it an important resource for understanding the township’s long-term fire service needs.