West Penn Township has been looking to hire police officers.

The need is greater now that the township supervisors this week terminated the employment of Police Chief James Bonner, and accepted the resignation of part-time Officer Richton Penn.

Two months ago, the board decided to hire another full-time officer, but hasn’t been able to find one.

They’re now seeking applications for police chief, and both full- and part-time officers.

“We’re prepared to raise the police budget for salaries,” board Chairman Tony Prudenti said, when asked how the township plans to attract qualified candidates.

Prudenti said the township, in 2025 budget discussions, has discussed offering an extra $2 per hour for part-time police employees.

Supervisor Jim Akins added that township officials have also been researching rates paid in neighboring departments.

According to Sgt. John Kaczmarczyk, the township’s sergeant-in-charge, the department hasn’t received many applications since it began advertising two months ago.

One resident said he doesn’t feel as safe knowing that the township is in need of police.

“For anyone who doesn’t feel safe here tonight, please erase that from your memory,” Akins said. “You are safe here. We have officers standing on call. I know part-time officers, longtime officers in this township, if they have a call and their beeper goes off and they’re home and not even on duty, they come out and support anyway. We are as safe as we’ve ever been.”

The township is running an advertisement for officers on its website and on an illuminated sign outside the department. It also plans to advertise for all positions in the Times News.