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 hard 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.

Hoherchak also focused on the youth of the area, creating and organizing 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 prior to starting his career in the sheriff’s department.