Lehighton is in the hunt for a new police chief.

Borough council on Monday accepted the notice of retirement from police Chief Brian Biechy, effective Aug. 10, 2022.

Afterward, council approved the Lafayette College Meyner Center proposal for recruitment services for the chief of police position, and approved the consulting rate of $95 per hour for any work outside of the proposal.

Contacted this morning, Biechy explained why he gave his notice to retire.

“It’s time,” Biechy said. “I’m happy with everything that I’ve accomplished with Lehighton; it’s been a great place to work.”

Biechy, who became police chief in December 2013, said he wanted to ensure the borough has enough time to find his successor.

“I know what it takes to replace an administrative position, especially chief of police,” he said. “I did want to give the borough the courtesy of having as much time for them to figure out how they are going to replace me, what their options are.”

Biechy said he’s grateful for the opportunity the borough has given him all these years.

“I’ve had a great career,” he said. “Some of it is me; I just wanted to move on and do something else. Some of it is the world, and law enforcement is changing right now and changing very fast.”

Biechy continued to express his gratitude toward the borough for its support.

“It’s time for somebody else to come in and help the borough and the department move forward,” he said. “I’ve had a great career here; the borough has treated me very well over the last 33 years.”

Biechy’s salary is $88,400.

He said at present, the department consists of 11 full-time officers, including himself.

Biechy began as a part-time officer in the borough in 1988, and became full-time in 1989.