Walnutport continues to round out its police force after welcoming in its newest officer into the fold.

By a unanimous vote, borough council on Thursday agreed to hire Paul Minnicks as a part-time officer at the rate of $29 per hour.

Afterward, Minnicks was sworn in by Mayor Wayne Weidner.

Body camera/Taser

Also on Thursday, borough council agreed to purchase one body camera and Taser for the police department.

Before the vote, borough police Chief Jason Nothstein noted that in the past, the police department had a skeleton crew.

“As you see tonight, we’re growing, which is a good thing,” Nothstein said.

He said that by right, body cameras and Tasers should be assigned to each officer.

“I’d be happy if we could just get one of each,” Nothstein said.

Nothstein added that the department is currently up to five full-time officers and three part-time officers.

He said the body camera and Taser that borough council agreed to buy will be shared by the part-time officers.

Nothstein said the purchase would add just over $5,000 per year for the next five years.

Councilwoman Jen Wentz said the borough is waiting for possible grant funding.

Council President Michael Gaston said he believes it’s imperative that the borough purchase the equipment as it’s for the safety of the police officers.

“Wherever we have to pull five grand, we pull five grand,” Gaston said. “I want him (the newest part-time officer) to be safe, too.”

Nothstein said it’s to not only make sure the police officers are protected, but also to keep the borough from litigation.