WEST EASTON, Pa. (WLVT) - The Borough of West Easton hasn’t had its own police department since 1966, but that is soon about to change.
“The importance of having a local police department can’t be stressed enough,” said Northampton County First Deputy District Attorney, Terence Houck. “I think it gives our community a sense of security.”
From 1966 to 2013, the borough of West Easton contracted back and forth between the Wilson Borough Police Department and the Easton Police Department to cover their area. Since then, the PA State Police has been responding in West Easton.
West Easton Mayor Dan DePaul said the department will have at least four part-time officers and a police chief. When West Easton officers are not on-duty, State Police will respond to the area. The chief will be retired PA State Police Sergeant Robert Mahady. Mayor DePaul said when West Easton officers aren’t on duty, State Police will respond.
Palmer Township donated a patrol car and SUV to help start the new department, and West Easton also purchased another SUV from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department for $4,000. The headquarters for the police department will be in the old municipal building at the corner of 6th St. and Center St.
The department is supposed to be up-and-running this fall, and Mayor DePaul said they are expecting to swear in the new police chief by the end of October. Mayor DePaul said people in the community have also written personal checks to help support the department.
