Joseph Krebs was appointed interim chief of the Coaldale Police Department during Tuesday’s borough council meeting.

The promotion comes just four months after council named him officer in charge, and 11 months after he was hired as a full-time officer in the borough.

Krebs had served with the department previously, along with police forces in Allentown, Tamaqua and Walnutport.

“When given the opportunity to return to Coaldale Borough Police Department in a full-time role in 2023, I was eager to do so,” he said. “Upon my return to the department, I felt welcomed by the community as well as my peers. It is truly amazing to work for a community that understands, respects and realizes the impact I made when I worked here in the past.”

Krebs, of Jim Thorpe, began his law enforcement career following graduation from the Lackawanna Police Academy in 2009. A year later, he was hired by the Walnutport Police Department, and served with Coaldale from 2011 - 15.

The bulk of his career, however, was with the Allentown Police Department, where he worked with the Fifth Platoon, and later, as a K-9 handler with his partner, Dingo, who has since retired and is “enjoying life as a family dog,” Krebs said.

While with Allentown, he received individual commendations for achievement, valor, merit and heroism, and shared multiple commendations with his unit.

“Although I appreciated and relished my time working for the City of Allentown, I always maintained a passion for local law enforcement and serving my own community in that specific capacity,” he noted.

Krebs called the Coaldale department a “foundationally sound and an outstanding place of employment.”

He commended the borough for its support, noting that it outfits vehicles with mobile data terminals and systems like TraCS for traffic citations.

“The department is also striving to keep pace with all technological advancements within the law enforcement field to further protect and serve our borough,” Krebs said.

In his role as interim chief, he plans to continue his open-door policy with other officers, the public and the media.

“I welcome any questions, concerns, and remarks and will ensure that any issues brought to my attention are resolved appropriately,” Krebs said. “My priority is to lead law enforcement to the highest standard so that we can best serve the borough, and I will ensure that we do so while treating people with equality, integrity, and respect.”

Keith Krapf previously served as Coaldale chief of police but recently left on disability retirement.