Lehighton Borough Council on Monday accepted the departure of its police chief, then pivoted to name a new officer-in-charge.

After a nearly 90-minute executive session, council on a 5-0 vote accepted the resignation of borough police Chief Joe Sparich.

Council appointed Cpl. Bruce Broyles as officer-in-charge.

Sparich submitted his letter of resignation on Aug. 24. His resignation was effective Sept. 7.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving the community and leading the department,” Sparich said in his letter.

He said he decided to leave for personal reasons.

“I want to express my gratitude for the support, friendship, and invaluable experiences I have gained during my tenure here,” Sparich wrote.

He said he wants to ensure a smooth transition.

“Thank you for the privilege of serving as police chief,” Sparich wrote. “I wish the department success in its mission to protect and serve the community.”

After the meeting, Councilman Ryan Saunders said Sparich’s resignation “did take us by surprise.” Saunders said Mayor Clark Ritter appointed Broyles on Thursday, the last day of Chief Sparich’s tenure so that Broyles would begin leading the department Friday.

Council ratified the decision Monday night.

“We’re actively going to pursue retaining a new chief,” Saunders said. “We don’t have a specific candidate in mind; we are reviewing candidates from our previous interviews.

“Nothing specific has been determined; no offers have been made to this point, and no contacts have been made to anyone. We are at this point going to review the list first.”

Saunders added “It is of the utmost priority at this time for council to put a chief in place to continue to ensure the safety of our residents from our police department. It’s our intention to put a new chief in place and make sure we can continue to offer the safety that our residents deserve.”

Council members Lisa Perry and Darryl Arner were absent.

Sparich, of Weatherly, was appointed as police chief by council on a 3-2 measure in July 2022 at a salary of $95,000.

He was chosen from a list of 18 candidates who applied for the position at that time.

Before accepting the position, Sparich had served as lieutenant for the Pennsylvania State Police Hazleton barracks.