Lansford Borough Council has taken initial measures to replenish ranks in the town's police department.

At Tuesday's final regular meeting of the year, the board approved the appointment of Jason Helmer as a provisional police officer due to what is regarded as an understaffing emergency.According to council, Helmer became eligible for the post after passing a verbal Civil Service Commission test administered Monday in which he reportedly answered all questions correctly.The action comes after the borough found itself down to a staff of three police officers in a town of 4,000."We're short two officers and have had problems filling shifts," explained Rose Mary Cannon, president.Helmer will be required to take a full test once it's set up by the Civil Service Commission.Serving on the Commission from Lansford are Jerry Scaran and Samantha Yasson. There also is a vacancy on that board.Helmer's salary was not available at the meeting Tuesday night.Yasson, a member of council, expressed concern about stipulations put forth regarding the current staffing level and what constitutes an emergency."I want to make sure it's classified as an emergency situation," Yasson said.Cannon responded that the action was recommended by the mayor and the chief. In addition, Cannon said Solicitor Michael Greek already responded to Yasson's questions.Chief John Turcmanovich was on hand for the session and clarified the current situation regarding manpower."We can run with three. But it's costing us a lot of overtime," Turcmanovich said.The borough has applications by several parties applying for full-time police work: John Orsulak, Brent Getz, Matthew Williams, Jenna Dumansky and Peter Jungbaer.In addition, several also are interested in part-time police work, including Ryan Oldt, Shawn Nunemacher, along with several of those mentioned above: Orsulak, Getz, Williams and Dumansky.Yasson asked Turcmanovich if he could possibly complete the required background review of all applicants by year end.In other matters, Cannon offered words of praise for the firm of Hutchinson, Gillahan & Freeh of Quakertown.The consultants were paid $11,700 and "did an excellent job. They did two audits for us and got us legal again," said Cannon.Cannon also explained that the borough was fortunate to secure the services of that firm. During discussion, council members indicated that the HG&F accounting firm is currently performing those duties but the firm has not officially been named borough auditor.The board agreed to postpone naming an official borough auditor until closer to reorganization time.