Ronald Reagan was our president, “Dallas” was the most popular television show, and it was the era of the first space shuttle flight.

On the local circuit, a young upstart was about to embark on a career in the police force in his hometown which he would maintain for the next four decades.

Now, 40 years after he began with the Palmerton Police Department, borough police Chief Randy Smith is on the final leg of his professional journey.

Smith has a set retirement date of Jan. 31, 2022, at which time he will retire from the police department that has served as his home away from home.

Humble beginnings

A 1972 graduate of Palmerton Area High School, Smith attended Stevens Trade School from 1972-74, followed by one year at the then Lehigh County Community College.

Smith was hired in 1981 as a part-time officer with the Palmerton Police Department.

He started at a time when the borough was under the leadership of then borough Manager John Kasten.

Smith was then promoted to full-time in 1984.

Then, in 2008, he became borough police chief, taking over for former borough police Chief Timothy Nothstein.

Smith also served as the department’s D.A.R.E. officer for many years, which he gave up upon being named police chief.

“I worked through several (borough) councils; everybody’s been fantastic to me, and the Public Safety Committee,” he said. “It’s worked real well.”

Smith also worked when the borough was led by former borough Manager Rodger Danielson, who has since been succeeded by current borough Manager Donna McGarry. She “is doing a fantastic job,” he said.

“It’s a good police department,” Smith said. “Everybody works together.”

Progress made

Over the years, Smith said the department has received computers for its vehicles and in the office, bodycams and dash cameras for the vehicles, as well as state-of-the-art Tasers.

“With everybody working together,” he said. “It’s a start.”

Smith said he believes the department will remain on solid footing.

“Crime-wise, there’s a lot of petty crime,” he said. “As long as everybody works together.”

Smith spoke of the current challenges faced by the department.

“Right now, it’s tough to hire people,” he said. “It’s tough to find good people; people who want to wait their turn.”

Replacement in tow

Born and raised in Palmerton, Smith, 67, of Bowmanstown, said he’s reached the point where it’s time to hang up his gear.

“It’s time to move on,” he said. “I used to enjoy coming to work; I kind of lost that enjoyment.”

Longtime patrolman Timothy Kromer will take over Smith’s position as police chief, effective Jan. 1.

“He knows a lot; he’s very intelligent,” Smith said of Kromer. “He’s well-versed; I think he’s going to do a real good job.”

However, Smith noted Kromer will have his hands full.

“It’s hard to get the help,” he said. “It’s hard to get good help.”

Retirement on the horizon

Smith and his wife, Maria, are coming up on their 45th wedding anniversary. Together, they have two daughters and one granddaughter.

An avid golfer, Smith said he plans to babysit, spend time with his wife, do housework and travel.

Throughout his entire tenure, Smith said he always tried to be both consistent, and fair.

“I treated people the way I would want an officer to treat a family member if they were stopped by an officer,” he said. “There are too many people with a badge who think that the badge gives them the right to do whatever they want without any repercussions.”

Smith said it’s important for communities to get back to one essential principle.

“Just treat people like people; treat people like neighbors,” he said. “We got to get back to where neighbors take care of neighbors, but the way it’s going now, I do not think you’ll ever see that again.”

Smith said he believes his legacy is that he will remembered for doing right by others.

“I’d like to think I did a good job, with the help of the officers, the borough,” he said. “I didn’t do anything really spectacular. I think I earned what I have gotten, starting my way from the bottom, working my way up the ranks.”