Jim Thorpe Borough will formally recognize former council member Tom Highland this Saturday by naming the community room inside its new police station in his honor.

Highland, who was serving his third term as a councilman at the time of his death, died in 2022 from complications of a residential fire the previous year.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at the borough’s new police station, located on the bottom level of Memorial Hall. The event is open to the public.

Highland was a prominent figure in local governance, having served as chairman of the police committee.

Police Chief Joe Schatz credited Highland as being instrumental in the establishment and modernization of the current department, noting his consistent support for securing vehicles and computers.

“I talked with him on a lot of different ideas we had when he was chairman of the police committee,” Police Chief Joe Schatz said. “He was very instrumental in getting us up and running where we are now in our new department. Tom also always donated and was a big supporter of the fishing derby over in Germantown. My heart broke when he passed away.”

To create a permanent tribute, the borough plans to install a plaque and wall placard inside the room.

“We thought this was a very fitting way to honor him in a way that reflected his service during his time on borough council,” former Council President Greg Strubinger said. “He took a very grounded, common sense approach to things here in the borough. His death was a huge loss for this community and this room is a way to keep his memory alive.”

Members of Highland’s family will be on hand Saturday for the dedication.

“Tom gave a lot back to his community both through his business and as a councilman,” Council President Connor Rodgers said. “It will be a very good dedication for a man who truly deserves it.”