A Salisbury Township police officer was honored for nearly 30 years of service.

The Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a resolution honoring Officer Jason Laky for “his 29 years of dedicated service to the Salisbury Township Police Department.”

Salisbury Township Commissioner Alex Karol made the motion, seconded by Salisbury Township Commissioner Heather Lipkin, to bring the motion to a vote at the June 25 meeting.

“I’ve known Officer Laky for many years. It would be an honor for me to make the motion,” Karol said.

Laky did not attend the meeting.

“Officer Laky did not want any recognition,” Salisbury Township Chief of Police Donald Sabo said.

Laky was lauded for starting the township K-9 Patrol, his work as a school resource officer and his coaching of youth sports.

Salisbury Township board of commissioners President Debra J. Brinton read aloud the resolution recognizing and commending Laky:

“Officer Jason Laky faithfully served the residents of Salisbury Township and the Salisbury Township Police Department for 29 years, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, dedication and commitment to public service.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Officer Laky consistently exemplified the highest standards of integrity, leadership and service to the community, earning the respect and admiration of his fellow officers, township officials, school personnel, students and residents.

“Officer Laky was instrumental in establishing the Salisbury Township Police Department’s K-9 Program, creating a lasting legacy that continues to enhance officer safety, criminal apprehension, narcotics detection and community engagement.

“Officer Laky proudly served as the handler for K-9 partners Zeus, Fonzie and Rocket, dedicating countless hours to training, deployment and the advancement of police canine operations within Salisbury Township and beyond.

“His expertise and passion for police canine training led him to become a respected K-9 trainer and instructor, and he currently oversees the K-9 Trainers Group responsible for certifying the Salisbury Township Police Department’s canine teams, thereby ensuring the continued excellence and professionalism of the department’s K-9 Program.

“Officer Laky concluded his law enforcement career serving as a School Resource Officer for the Salisbury Township School District, where he positively impacted the lives of countless students, faculty and staff by fostering safety, trust, mentorship and meaningful relationships within the school community.

“Officer Laky’s dedication to the youth of Salisbury Township extended beyond his duties as a police officer, as he devoted his time and energy to coaching basketball and baseball within the Salisbury Township School District, serving as a mentor, role model and positive influence for generations of student-athletes.

“Officer Laky’s contributions to law enforcement, youth development, school safety and the Salisbury Township community have left an enduring mark that will continue to benefit future generations.

“The Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners and the members of the Salisbury Township Police Department wish to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for Officer Laky’s nearly three decades of dedicated and exemplary service.

“The Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners hereby extends its deepest appreciation and heartfelt congratulations to Officer Jason Laky upon his retirement from the Salisbury Township Police Department.

“Officer Jason Laky is hereby commended for his 29 years of faithful service, his leadership in establishing and advancing the Department’s K-9 Program, his commitment to training future K-9 teams, his dedication to the students of the Salisbury Township School District and his unwavering service to the community.”

Added Brinton: “We’ll miss him very much.”