Palmerton Borough Council last night nominated John Rupell, who had been serving as acting chief, to appointed on a permanent status, pending Palmerton Civil Service Commission approval.

Rupell was appointed acting chief in March to oversee the department after James Smith was fired as the chief.

Gerald Geiger, chairman of the Law and Order committee, stated Rupell’s performance as acting chief has been “excellent,” and made the motion to nominate him to the Civil Service Commission.

Borough Manager John Kasten said the commission’s approval could take 60-90 days.