Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, at its June 13 meeting, honored a retiring police lieutenant and the officer named to take over that position with the township force.

Lt. Jim Lucas is retiring from his position as criminal investigations unit commander, effective June 24. He has served the township for 31 years.

Detective Sgt. Jeff Bruchak, who was recently promoted to lieutenant, will be taking over Lucas’ position toward the end of the month. He has served Whitehall Township for 22 years.

Police Chief Michael Marks had nothing but good things to say about both men.

“Everything that is good and is right in law enforcement is in Jim Lucas,” Marks said, adding Lucas will be sorely missed in the department.

“[Bruchak] is a leader of the department, and he takes pride in teaching younger officers,” Marks said.

Marks also called Bruchak a “team officer,” explaining he “does not like to be in the spotlight and hates recognition.”

During his 22 years of service, Bruchak has received four commendations for meritorious service and one commendation for life service.

In other business, the commissioners discussed a motion regarding the acceptance of a proposal for Mickley Prydun Farm. On the property set two farmhouses and a barn. The barn is reportedly in much worse condition than the farmhouses, and at this time, the board does not plan to renovate it like the houses.

The motion before the board proposed waterproofing and structural preservation renovations, costing approximately $110,000. The township has obtained almost $181,000 in grants, along with $50,000 earmarked in the budget.

The township acquired Mickley Prydun Farm in 2013 and has completed feasibility and renovation studies to get to this point.

Vice President Phil Ginder said he would like to see a rough plan for the future phases of the farm renovations, plans for the nearby area and a person or group to be responsible for the building maintenance.

With those stipulations in mind, the motion passed with a 6-1 vote. Construction is expected to start in early July and wrap up sometime in October.

Commissioner Charles Fisher said he is working with Scout troops across the township to increase membership, as everyone greatly benefits from all they accomplish. Two Eagle Scouts are working together to build bird houses along the Ironton Rail Trail.

Board President Joseph Marx reported he encountered a resident wandering the parking lot trying to drop something off at the police station and believes the newly renovated township building should be more clearly marked.

The commissioners next meet 7 p.m. July 5 in the Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority public meeting room, 3213 MacArthur Road.