The Lehighton Borough Civil Service Commission will administer an entry-level examination for the position of police officer.

A written examination will take place at 9 a.m. April 9 at Lehighton Borough Hall. A physical agility testing will follow at the Lehighton Borough Recreation Center.Earlier this month, borough council approved amendments to the Police Civil Service Rules and Regulations.In January, borough council agreed to have the Civil Service Commission present an updated eligibility list.That decision came after borough Mayor Tom Mase broached the matter in light of the recent retirement of Sgt. Joe Lawrence from the police department.Police Chief Brian Biechy said the department is looking for a full-time officer to replace Lawrence."We should be 10," Biechy said. "The main purpose is to put us back up to full staffing."Bringing on another full-timer would cost the borough $110,000 in wages and benefits, according to discussion at recent meetings.The borough has a population of 5,500 residents, and currently has nine full-time officers.The starting salary for the entry-level full-time officer position is $46,295.After four years of service, the base salary is $61,726. However, those salaries are subject to change due to administrative/F.O.P. union negotiations.Officers are also entitled to an employee benefits package and scheduled longevity increases.Even after a 10th full-timer joins the ranks, Biechy said the department would like to bring on yet another full-time officer.Biechy cited the increasedactivity that is expected to be generated due to the new St. Luke's Medical Center in Lehighton, located on Ninth Street just off Route 443, which is expected to be open by the beginning of May, the soon-to-come Lehighton Outdoor Center located along Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard, and the K-5 elementary center on Lehighton Area School District's main campus, as reasons to add an extra officer."(Added) manpower would definitely be beneficial for the growth of the borough," he said.All applicants for the examination must submit a completed application. Applications may be picked up at the borough hall between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.Applications must be returned to the office of the borough secretary by 4 p.m. March 8, with a nonrefundable fee in the amount of $45 per application.