A recently hired full-time officer with the Lehighton Police Department has been dismissed from his duties.

At a special meeting on Tuesday, borough council agreed to terminate employee No. 363, effective immediately.

Mayor Ryan Saunders said Wednesday night the employee was full-time police officer Brent Castelletti.

“He is a good officer, just not quite the fit we were looking for in our department,” Saunders said.

Saunders swore in Castelletti at borough council’s meeting earlier this month.

After that meeting, borough police Chief Troy Abelovsky said that with Castelletti, the department had 12 full-time officers, including himself.

Council recently established parameters for a previously approved sign-on bonus to attract more qualified police candidates.

Borough council on a 5-1 vote in June agreed to a sign-on bonus that would give $2,500 up front, an additional $2,500 following the probationary period, and the condition that officers would need to stay three years to keep the money.

Before that vote, Councilman Steve Hawk said the goal is to have more of a supply of candidates.

Later during that meeting following an executive session, council on a 6-0 vote adopted a resolution for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant to offset new patrolman hiring and sponsor an applicant.

In May, council agreed on a 5-1 vote to increase the sign-on bonus to $5,000.

Abelovsky said the department is handling the call volume — which is above average with increased duties such as e-bike disturbances and displaced people incidents — to the best of its ability.

While they are not over budget, officers have had to cover extra shifts.

Contractual salary in 2026 is $86,795 based upon prior experience. The department is in a contract year and looking to remain highly competitive with surrounding departments.