Nesquehoning is moving forward on adding a fifth full-time police officer to its force.

On Wednesday, council voted to advertise for the position, as well a civil service meeting in March.

In December, council budgeted approximately $30,000 to help cover the cost for the additional officer.

At the time Councilman Louie Paul said there was a need because an additional person would help cut down on overtime costs.

Mayor Tom Kattner said that the department is doing great work and a fifth officer would only help the community even more.

He commended police Chief Michael Weaver, as well as the other officers for all they have done to become a community-oriented department.

He noted that officers have met with businesses and residents to put a face to the department and provide a connection.

Kattner also said that the borough received a letter from Jim Thorpe commending Weaver and officer Carl Breiner for their help on an incident.

The letter and a thank you from council will be put in their files.

Nesquehoning has been rebuilding its police department, going from one officer working and two officers, including the former police chief, retiring after being out on medical leave.

Since then, the borough has hired three full-time officers and one part-time officer and named Weaver chief.