A Lehighton police officer was praised for his work in the community during the borough council meeting last week.

Borough Police Chief Troy Abelovsky said that in observance of Police Appreciation Week, the police department “is proud to formally recognize officer Gabriel Szozda for his exceptional service to the Lehighton community and dedication to our agency.”

He said Szozda has served the department for over 12 years “and has proven to be an exemplary member of our agency.”

Szozda served as the interim officer in charge between April and July of 2022 while the borough was looking to fill the chief of police position.

“Beyond his extensive experience in patrol duties, he continues to served as a vital liaison between our department and the Attorney General’s Office, expertly coordinating Carbon County Drug Task Force operations,” he said, adding that Szozda has been affiliated with over 250 narcotics investigations and arrests throughout Lehighton borough and Carbon County.

Abelovsky said Szozda has the ability to balance rigorous duty with compassion for Lehighton residents and has an impact on the youths of the community.

“He intentionally takes time during his patrol functions to strengthen relationships between the youths of our community and the police department. Officer Szozda’s demeanor allows him to be approachable by all residents, which aids in fostering a sense of community and safety for our town,” the chief said.

Abelovsky added, “He is highly regarded for his ability to resolve incidents using methods that are both impactful and equitable for all parties involved. His unwavering commitment to our community is further evidenced by his willingness to sacrifice personal and family time to ensure patrol shifts are fully staffed and the Lehighton community remains protected.

The chief said Szozda is a mentor to the staff.

“His colleagues frequently seek his guidance on both professional matters and personal growth. His ability to provide experienced knowledge and support during difficult times has made him a pillar of strength for his fellow officers to county on for any situation.”

Abelovsky presented Szozda with a commendation of merit.

Contacted after the meeting, Szozda said he was “truly honored” by the recognition.

“Serving people is one of the greatest honors a man can have,” Szozda said. “I’m humbled by the borough honoring me this way.”

Szozda added, “I love my community, I love this area. I always loved Lehighton; this is where I went to school, my kids went to school.”

Above all else, he said, “I love serving people. Being a Christian, the code I always live by is, ‘If you only love those who love you, how different are you from anyone else.’ ”

Szozda added, “I try to always seek to reach out to the poor and the needy, to be the voice for the poor, and the strength for the weak.

“Most importantly, if I can have at least one person where I can make a significant impact on their life, something that will impact them, it will be worth my entire career.”

Szozda said that in his role as police officer, it’s hard making arrests, but that, “I’ve never taken it personal. I always try to show respect to people doing my job; (so they can see) that this officer truly cares about them, and when they do change their life.

“That’s what matters to me, to always speak positively in their lives so they have hope, (and that) I can help them. I want them to know that they have a friend in the uniform.”

He does his part for law enforcement to be seen in a positive light.

“In a day and age where there’s so much negativity against law enforcement, I want to fight for it to reunite people with law enforcement,” he said. “We are the line between evil and good. I believe I’m called to duty to defend people from evil.”

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week.

“National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others,” Abelovsky said. “Agencies have also used this as an opportunity to acknowledge officers who have demonstrated excellence in the performance of their duties.”