On Monday the community honored retired police chief Arthur "Ted" Kistler for his 32 years of dedication.

More than 50 residents, borough workers and policemen gathered in front of the borough's station to congratulate the man who has spent his whole career working to improve Slatington.Born in 1942, Kistler has lived in one town his entire life."I only left Slatington when I was in the Army for five years," he said.Kistler was stationed in Germany with his new wife and baby during his Army stint, being the youngest member of his battalion to reach staff sergeant.Upon returning to Slatington Kistler joined the force where he would eventually serve as chief for 28 years."At one time I was the youngest chief in Lehigh County," he said. "I also held the longest seniority."Kistler was 30 when he reached the rank of chief, saying his secret to success was his attitude and co-workers."I had good men, I was very fortunate," he said. "My big thing in training officers was to get them to treat people the way they want to be treated. That's the one thing I always made sure to do. As long as you do that you'll get along fine in police work.Kistler said his biggest arrest stemmed from a drug bust when he had newly joined the force."Back then it was mostly marijuana and speed pills. 'Blue and whites,' they called them. I was just coming in at the time when we confiscated 20 barrels of pills," he recalls.Kistler retired 18 years ago but is still a fixture in town, serving as president of the Northern Lehigh Historical Society and on the boards of Slatington Lions Club and the American Legion Post Home."I was born and raised here and I get disturbed when people disparage the town," he said."I disagree with the way attendees in borough meetings have negative attitudes, especially against council. If they don't understand the workings (of the borough), they shouldn't be so negative. Why not come with positive ideas? If there's a problem definitely address it. But I know what it's like to be on council and it's not easy."Kistler says he was moved by the morning dedication."It's beautiful, I never thought I'd deserve that. I can't believe all the people that were here," he said.Borough Mayor Walter Niedermeyer has worked closely with Kistler since being elected into office."He was my sponsor when I joined the Lions. I started working with him when I became mayor in 2002. He did a lot of work for the community," Niedermeyer said.Former Slatington Mayor Tim Kern spoke of Kistler's dedication."I had the privilege to work with Chief Kistler, he was a likable member of the community. I was almost as likable," he joked."He was involved, and gets involved for heartfelt reasons," Kern said. "It couldn't go to a better person. He did so much and still does for this community."Retired District Judge Edward Hartman told anecdotes from the campaign trail when he ran opposite Kistler for the judge position."He was a big hunter. We went one weekend and Ted kicked up a big whooping crane. He decided he wanted crane for dinner, but unfortunately I was in front of the crane. I had to hit the deck with shells flying all around me. A friend said, 'That's what you get for running against him,' " Hartman said.Hartman concluded his speech by reiterating for the crowd Kistler's love for community."He cared about Slatington, he cared about the borough. People loved him and he cared about this place. He wasn't just the chief, he was a leader."