It was a fond farewell for longtime Salisbury Township Chief of Police Allen W. Stiles.

After 25 years as police chief in Salisbury, Stiles’ retirement was accepted by the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners by a vote of 4-0, with one commissioner absent, at the June 27 meeting.

Commissioner Joanne Ackerman made the motion, seconded by Conn, to accept Stiles’ retirement.

In a separate vote, commissioners voted 4-0 to approve a resolution, with board of commissioners Vice President Debra Brinton making the motion and Conn seconding it, to appoint Sgt. Kevin Soberick as Salisbury Township acting police chief.

Commissioners also approved a resolution, also by a 4-0 vote, to transfer the chief’s firearm to Stiles, with Conn making the motion, seconded by board of commissioners Vice President Debra Brinton.

Stiles was presented with a resolution and commemorative plaque for his years of service by board of commissioners President Robert Martucci Jr.

In introducing the resolution, Salisbury Township Manager Cathy Bonaskiewich said of Stiles, “He’s dedicated and well-accomplished and we will miss him.”

“It’s been a fantastic place to work. It’s a great township. Thank you for letting me have the job and keeping the job,” Stiles said.

Bonaskiewich said the resolution states Stiles’ retirement and Soberick’s appointment are effective July 12.

“That will be effective July 12 so that there will be a smooth transition,” Bonaskiewich said.

After the May 9 township meeting, Stiles informally announced to The Press that he would retire this summer.

At the May 23 township meeting, Stiles announced to commissioners that his last day as township police chief would be July 12.

Salisbury commissioners voted unanimously 5-0 at the May 23 meeting to approve a Lafayette College Meyner Center proposal for police recruitment services.

David Woglom, associate director for public service, The Robert B. and Helen S. Meyner Center for the Study of State and Local Government, Lafayette College, is the consultant assisting township officials in choosing Stiles’ successor.

Stiles observed his 25th anniversary as Salisbury police chief in June. He was eligible to retire June 1.

Stiles was appointed police chief in Salisbury in June 1994, after resigning in May 1994 from the Hellertown Police Department where he had been chief of police after being appointed chief there in August 1985.

Stiles has been in law enforcement for 46 years. He was hired as a Bethlehem Township patrol officer in January 1973.

Stiles received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Alvernia University in May 1978.

Stiles is an Army veteran, having served one year in Vietnam. He has three children and eight grandchildren.

Attending the commissioners’ meeting to wish Stiles well in his retirement were several township police officers and two retired police department administrative assistants, Janet Heppenheimer and Nancy Miklus.

Afterward, a buffet of sandwiches, vegetables, fruit and dessert was enjoyed by township officials and well-wishers in the meeting room of the municipal building.

The board of commissioners next meets 7 p.m. July 11 in the municipal building, 2900 S. Pike Ave.