Lansford’s new police chief could start this week, as borough council is set to approve his contract at tonight’s meeting.

Council selected Kyle Woodward of Jim Thorpe as its next police chief back in December, but continued to work out details of the chief’s contract.

Mayor Hugh Vrablic said Tuesday night that Woodward had completed all of his clearances. He expects Woodward to start as soon as the contract is approved and signed.

“I’m welcoming him,” said Vrablic, who oversees the police department as mayor. “He’s a nice guy.”

Woodward said he hopes to start as chief on Thursday.

The borough has been without a police chief since Jack Soberick retired in May 2022. Soberick, a Carbon County detective, was elected to council in November and was seated earlier this month.

The borough hired Woodward following a months long search, in which it enlisted the state Chiefs of Police Association.

Council interviewed five candidates that were culled through the search, and selected from four after Kevin Soberick, the former chief’s brother, withdrew his name.

Woodward worked locally as a police officer in the mid-1990s before being hired by the Baltimore County Police Department in Maryland, where he remained for 21 years.

Returning to the area, Woodward assisted the Tamaqua Area School District with the formation of the Tamaqua Area School District Police.

His starting salary will be $80,000 in the first year, and is expected to rise to $84,000 in the second year.