Lehighton’s new police chief has formally been sworn into office.

A ceremony was held for Lehighton Borough Chief of Police Troy Abelovsky Friday night at the borough municipal building.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire welcomed everyone in attendance and said the borough was about to begin a new chapter with the appointment.

Borough Mayor Clark Ritter then swore in Abelovsky, who has more than 28 years in law enforcement, as the borough’s new chief of police.

Abelovsky’s children, Landon and Reagan, then pinned the chief of police rank insignia to his collar, as his uniform wasn’t in yet.

Afterward, Abelovsky thanked the roughly 50 people who attended, which included his family and friends, current co-workers and future co-workers, several members of borough council, and others.

“I appreciate (your) support,” Abelovsky said. “It’s gotten me to where I am today.”

Abelovsky has been employed by the Bethlehem Township Police Department, Bethlehem Township, since 2000. He became sergeant of that department in March. Before that, he was the corporal from 2015-2023, and a patrolman from 2000 to 2015.

After the ceremony, he said he will finish up his tenure with the Bethlehem Township Police Department on Nov. 20, and begin as Lehighton borough chief of police on Nov. 27.

A 1993 graduate of Northampton Area High School, Abelovsky previously worked as a patrolman for the Macungie Police Department from 1998-2000, and Walnutport Police Department from 1996-1998.

Abelovsky is a graduate of the Allentown Police Academy, where he graduated with 95.97%, and completed Act 120 Certification in 1995.

During his career, he has earned over a dozen certifications, and won various awards, such as eight unit citations for specific critical incidents during police duties; Merit for Operation Nighthawk (DUI Program); Letters of Commendation from community members for his services; St. Luke’s Adult Level 1 Trauma Center Award (2015); and Project Lifesaver Certificate of Commendation (2022).

Borough council last week named Abelovsky to the post under the terms of a one-year contract at a salary of $100,000, prorated through the end of the year.

The contract calls for a 4% raise in 2024, which would push his salary to $104,000.

In September council accepted the resignation of former police chief Joe Sparich.

Cpl. Bruce Broyles has been acting as officer-in-charge.