Police force approaching 24/7 coverage again, mayor says

KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE

SHENANDOAH – The borough police force is one officer closer to returning to 24/7 coverage.

Council voted to hire Cristian Vazquez as a full-time police officer at Monday night’s meeting.

A Shenandoah Valley graduate, he is currently a full-time police officer in Catawissa and a part-time officer in Shenandoah.

Mayor Bob Cook told ShenSentinel after the meeting that the department will soon be at or near 24/7 coverage with his addition to the full-time roster.

The department will have seven full-timers and several part-timers.

Borough Manager Mike Cadau and Cook both said the department is seeking one more full-time officer to complete the roster.

Cook also asked council to approve the addition of a non-union, part-time Police Communications Officer to staff the police station three times a week.

The addition, he said, would help resolve tickets or other police-related inquiries when officers are not at the station.

Cadau said money is budgeted for the position this year.

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