Slatington Borough Council passed a motion last week to purchase body armor with concealment carrier for 2,042. for the police department using COVID-19 relief funds.

Chief Greg Winokur told Borough Council members that the body armor has an expiration date of 5 years. Some of the department’s existing equipment is already over 5 years old.

“A grant I was looking for originally has been delayed because of the state budget,” Winokur said. “We don’t know when we would get it - it might be December, it might be next year.”

Council passed a resolution requesting a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant of $90,750.33 for equipment upgrade/roadway camera.

According to Winokur, the grant is to update the department’s body camera system, vehicle cameras, and will add numerous intersection cameras around the borough.

Slatington Mayor Jeralyn Schoch thanked the police and the fire departments for taking part in a recent event with the local children. Members of the department took time to help with a lemonade stand for the children, and let them sit in the fire trucks and police cars and get photos taken of them.

“Those are things that mean the most to kids in this community,” Schoch said, “and they will remember that for a lifetime. It’s important to have that interaction.

“I just wanted to commend both departments for stepping up and taking the time out of their days; especially the police department with how busy they are.”

Winokur gave his August report.

• 367 total incidents (297 in August 2022).

• 9 criminal arrests (12 in 2022)

• 30 traffic citations (38 in 2022)

• 28 parking tickets (40 in 2022).

Also, council accepted part-time Police Officer Christopher D’ Andrea’s resignation effective immediately. Councilman Jeffrey Hausman voted against the motion.