Former Carbon County sheriff Peter P. “Pete” Hoherchak, of Jim Thorpe, died Saturday at the age of 89.

Hoherchak served five consecutive terms as sheriff, finishing as the top vote-getter each time he ran.

He was first elected in 1976 after serving as chief deputy sheriff for the late Louis D. Lisella.

During his tenure as sheriff Hoherchak saw the need for a new correctional facility and worked to bring the idea to reality. In January 1995, the new facility was dedicated. Hoherchak’s expertise and leadership was acknowledged by the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association in the many positions he held on that board and finally as its president in 1986.

Even after he retired, Hoherchak remained actively politically, often helping Democratic candidates in their pursuit of office.

Billy O’Gurek, chairman of the Democratic Party of Carbon County, commented on the former sheriff, saying, “Pete was always ready and willing to offer a word of advice. After retiring, he remained active in support of Democratic candidates, even up to as recently as last year. He did so much for the county and Jim Thorpe area in particular. He will be greatly missed by many.”

Current county Sheriff Tony Harvilla, who Hoherchak hired years ago to work at the county prison, and maintained a long-standing friendship with Hoherchak, said he was “saddened to hear of Pete’s passing.”

He elaborated, “Peter has been a close friend and mentor though the years. I met him when I was serving an internship at the courthouse while attending college. I will be forever grateful to him for giving me my start in law enforcement. Pete hired me as the first work-release director at the county prison.”

Following a career in the federal adult probation system, Harvilla pursued election to the sheriff’s office and had Hoherchak as his staunch supporter.

Harvilla recalled, “Pete was supportive of me at every stage of my career, including my quest to follow in his footsteps as Carbon County Sheriff. I always admired Pete for his dedicated service as sheriff, particularly his commitment to supporting our community through many programs like Junior Deputy’s program and fishing contests. But mostly, I respected Pete for his devotion to his family, especially his wife, Claire. He was certainly someone to be admired and emulated. I will truly miss him.”

Hoherchak created and organized the Carbon County Junior Deputy Program and oversaw the annual fishing contest held by that group each year. He also worked with the Hickory Run Juvenile Detention Center on raising and releasing pheasants and fish for the local area.

He was also appointed justice of the peace and served from 1969-70 before starting his career in the sheriff’s department.

One of 11 children, Hoherchak, who was born in the Coalport section of Jim Thorpe, was a veteran serving with the 14th Armored Division of the U.S. Army in Germany for three years. Before his career in the justice system, Hoherchak worked for 18 years as a business consultant in the steel casting field. He turned to law enforcement in the mid-1960s.

He was active with local organizations, having memberships with the Fairview Hose Co. and Diligent Hose Co., both of Jim Thorpe, and the Jim Thorpe American Legion. After his retirement, he continued to be an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoying his salmon fishing on Lake Ontario and participating in activities as a member of the Sportsman Rod & Gun Club in Andreas.

He was of the Catholic faith and was a member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Nesquehoning.

For his obituary, see Page 4.