Palmerton will apply for a grant in its quest to add a new full-time officer to the ranks of its police department.

On a unanimous vote, borough council on Thursday agreed to proceed with the application process for the COPS grant.The 2015 COPS Hiring Program is a competitive grant program that funds the hiring or rehiring of law enforcement officers.It provides 75 percent of the approved entry-level salaries and fringe benefits of each newly hired or rehired full-time officer, up to $125,000 per officer position, over the three-year grant period.Councilman Kris Hoffner said the application for the grant is due by June 19.Hoffner added that the borough should know by the end of September if it qualifies or not to receive the grant.In a related matter, council agreed to offer part-time employment to Dane O'Brien.Council's offer is contingent upon O'Brien passing a physical and psychological exam.Last month, Mayor Chris Olivia expressed to council his desire to see the borough add a new full-time officer.That came after Olivia in March expressed the need for the borough to hire more part-time officers.He said at the time the police department could use at least three or four part-timers.Other businessIn other business, council:• Approved Chris LabarHoffman, Dakota Recker, andBrad March to serve as volunteer firefighters to serve with the Palmerton Municipal FireCompany.• Approved the first readingof resolution related to records disposal.