Palmerton plans to add another full-time officer to help beef up its police ranks.

On a 6-0 vote on Thursday, borough council offered full-time employment to Derrek Koch as a probationary police officer.

Councilman Richard Nothstein was absent.

However, the offer is subject to Koch’s successful completion of psychological examination, successful completion of physical examination, meeting all state requirements, and meeting all requirements of the bargaining unit.

Koch would replace Timothy Kromer, who was sworn in as the new borough police chief at council’s reorganization meeting earlier this month.

Kromer replaced Randy Smith, whose retirement date is Jan. 31, after 40 years.

The department currently has nine full-time officers (counting Randy Smith).

Upon Smith’s retirement, Kromer said the department would look to hire a full-time officer.