Mahoning Township will soon find itself down one full-time police officer amid pleas for 24-hour police coverage in the township.

On a unanimous measure, township supervisors last week accepted the retirement of full-time police officer Jeffrey Frace from regular employment on Oct. 31, and intent to completely retire on Oct. 31, 2027.

According to township secretary Natalie Haggerty, the action chosen provides Frace with the Deferred Retirement Option Plan, meaning his pension will freeze on Oct. 31, but he will continue to work full-time for at least one year, but not more than three; and he will not have to contribute to his pension.

Frace was hired as a part-time officer in December 1997, and has been full-time since October 1999.

The township has five full-time officers, counting township police Chief Audie Mertz.

This year’s police salary is $83,346 per year, which does not include overtime.

The township has an officer who will earn $122,000 this year with overtime.

Earlier, the township hired Law Enforcement Operations Consulting LLC to do a study on the police department.

Jeffrey Miller asked supervisors in June if the consultant’s work is done, and if there was a report.

Board chairman Robert Slaw said it was back, but that it “wasn’t for public knowledge.”

Miller then asked if the township was still looking for 24-hour police coverage.

Slaw said it was, but added, “It is a long way off.”

In May, supervisors unanimously agreed to abolish its detective position within its police department.

It was noted that an executive session was held on April 11 for the purpose of evaluation of the detective position.

After that meeting, supervisors said the police department would still have the same number of officers.

Frace, who was serving as detective, now serves as an officer.

Residents have questioned supervisors about police coverage on a regular basis. The township has brought on a consultant to help its police department run more efficiently.

Residents have been appearing at meetings nearly every month asking about scheduling, overtime and part-time officers.

Mahoning Township resident Andrew Yenser said in March that while the township has solid police coverage during the day, that isn’t the case from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

In April, Miller said he has a concern over the lack of police presence on Mahoning Drive West, where he said a vehicle constantly speeds. He suggested speed traps.

Slaw said the township has advertised multiple times for part-time officers, but to no avail.