Joseph T. Tout is days away from making history in Nesquehoning by becoming the borough’s first chief of police to attain permanent Civil Service status.

The 39-year-old Lake Hauto resident and former radio car patrolman as West Chester was given a permanent appointment last night by unanimous vote of borough council.

The council also gave the chief a salary increase from $15,000 to $16,000 on the recommendation of Councilman Howard McMichael, who made the highly-favorable recommendation of Tout.

It is anticipated Tout’s permanent appointment will take place on March 1, the anniversary date of his probationary status.