After 27 years with the Salisbury Township Police Department, retiring Chief Kevin Soberick says he “cannot think of a better place for a police officer to work.”

He said the support he has received from Township Manager Cathy Bonaskiewich and township commissioners has been exceptional. “It makes a tough job much easier when you have the support of the people you work for.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on “the way we work,” Soberick said. The worldwide medical epidemic hit just a few months after Soberick became chief in September, 2019.

Soberick said at the time he was promoted to chief he had a major goal to foster “more involvement with township residents.” The country-wide shutdown and isolation of residents to combat the spread of COVID made that much more difficult.

Soberick said the sharpening of the police department’s social media and Facebook presence has provided an alternative way of interacting with residents.

“To many of our citizens, the Internet has become the primary way we interact,” Soberick said.

The use of social media has become a “real time” way for the department to get out timely information on everything from fires and accidents, roadway problems and congestion, to police reuniting lost pets with their owners.

While a lot of anger has been directed toward law enforcement officers since the death of George Floyd, and the rioting across the country, Soberick said the support of Salisbury residents has been directly positive.

The appearance of supportive lawn signs in the township and the increased delivery by residents of food, snacks, pizzas and pastry to police headquarters has had a positive impact on members of the force, he said.

Soberick sought the input of his officers on several “quality of life” issues early in his tenure. The implementation of a number of initiatives has served to increase officer morale, Soberick said.

Among the initiatives are the approved use of more comfortable summer uniforms and the “rebranding” and update of the design and visual appearance of patrol vehicles, Soberick said. The purchase of formal “Class A” uniforms for officers also has had a positive effect, Soberick said.

While Salisbury Township neighborhoods are not subject to many of the problems and escalating violence spotlighted by the media in urban settings, Soberick said the township is by no means immune to nuisance issues such as noise complaints and disputes among neighbors, but the level of tensions associated with city life are diminished.

The township’s proximity to neighboring urban settings means there is some overlap in problems related to the widespread illicit drug use. “Although we are seeing a decrease in the number of calls related to heroin overdoses, we are seeing an increase in the problems associated with the use of methamphetamines,” Soberick said.

While Salisbury officers are trained to deal with those drug-related calls, Soberick said officers have been receiving equipment, training and weaponry to deal with incidents of violence, terrorism and the severe accidents associated with an Interstate highway running through the township.

“These days our patrol officers need to be ready for just about anything. In my eyes they are the heroes among us,” Soberick said.

Looking ahead, Soberick said his successor as chief will be faced with the challenge of keeping the local force adequately staffed.

“It’s getting harder to attract new officers into law enforcement.” Soberick said. “With the media making so much of antagonism toward police, fewer and fewer recruits are responding to civil service testing for the available jobs.”

Soberick said regional police chiefs have been coordinating their efforts in a recruiting consortium to help make recruiting efforts more effective. “But, getting new hires is still a tough job when you are competing for recruits,” Soberick said.

Soberick said a greater effort to “turn down the temperature in our society” would go a long way in easing some of the political and social tensions evident in the news every day.

On a personal note, Soberick said his decision to retire after a 27-year career on the Salisbury force was not made easily.

“It was an emotional day when I walked my retirement papers down to (Township Manager) Cathy (Bonaskiewich,)” Soberick said.

Asked “Why now?,” Soberick said, “You know when it’s time.”

The thought of the greater amount of time he’ll be able to spend with his wife, Erin, and their son, Anthony, made the decision easier.

“The hours away from home and round-the-clock shifts required of a police officer is one of the toughest parts of the job,” Soberick said. “My wife has taken a lot of family pictures over the years,” he said. “And I’m not in them.”

The couple’s son, Anthony, has grown into a young adult, and is embarking on a career in emergency services and acquiring the needed training. “He was happy with my decision to retire and pleased that I’ll be there to support his efforts.”

Soberick’s father was a longtime member of the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company. Soberick plans to continue his father’s legacy and plans to continue to serve that organization as an assistant chief.

Son Anthony also is a firefighter. “At a recent working fire, my son was ‘nozzle man’ while I was just behind him helping to advance the hose.”

Soberick said that was a “proud moment” for him.

He has no current plans to use his law enforcement experience in the private sector.

“I’m just going to hit the ‘reset’ button and enjoy time with my family.

“I’m leaving the Salisbury Police Department at a high point. These 27 years have been a good ride,” Soberick said.