Palmerton Borough Council hired a new police officer during Thursday's meeting, adding a much-needed patrolman to the busy force.

Brian Stern was approved for a part-time patrolman position by a unanimous vote, ratifying an offer of employment letter previously sent out by the borough office.The Palmerton Police Department has been stretched thin recently, with two officers currently out of service."That'll help us tremendously. We take all of the part-timers we can get," Mayor Christopher Olivia said.Olivia said that many officers, including police Chief Randy Smith, have been putting in overtime hours to keep the department running efficiently, so the addition of Stern came at the perfect time."He will help fill shifts, there's six shifts a day, 42 a week, so there's always an opportunity to work," Olivia said.