Salisbury Township Chief of Police Kevin J. Soberick was lauded by township officials as one who will be “deeply missed.”

“This is a very hard one for everyone, including Chief Soberick,” Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners President Debra Brinton said when she read from the agenda at the Oct. 27 township meeting: “Resolution accepting the retirement of Mr. Kevin J. Soberick.”

Township Commissioner Alok Patnaik made the motion, seconded by township board of commissioners Vice President Rodney Conn to bring the resolution accepting Soberick’s retirement to a vote. Commissioners voted unanimously 5-0 to approve the resolution.

“He’s gong to be deeply missed,” Brinton said of Soberick.

Brinton continued, addressing Soberick, “Thank you for 27 years of dedicated service.”

Turning to the audience of officials, township police officers, family and friends who nearly filled the municipal building meeting room, Brinton said, “He [Soberick] took us through a very difficult time during COVID.”

Soberick was appointed township police chief in September 2019.

Approximately six months later, the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown happened in mid-March 2020.

“I can’t remember a time when you weren’t here,” Brinton said to Soberick, referring to his 27-year township police department career.

“Thank you,” Soberick said.

At the Oct. 27 board of commissioners meeting, it was announced Salisbury Township Police Sgt. Don Sabo is to succeed Soberick as township police chief. Soberick’s last day as chief was Nov. 1.

“We did make our decision and it’s Don Sabo,” Brinton said.

Sabo is interim township police chief until he takes the oath of office, expected to happen at the next township commissioners’ meeting, 7 p.m. Nov. 10.

In addition to being a police sergeant, Sabo is township fire marshal and in charge of township police professional standards and investigations.

Soberick was lauded by family, township police officers and township officials.

“It’s been a very nice place for him [Soberick} to work,” Soberick’s mother, Rose Mary Cannon said.

“What I can remember from when I was teamed up with Sgt. Soberick was that he made me feel right at home,” Salisbury Township Police Cpl. Kevin Kress said.

“Thank you for your friendship, candor and wit,” Kress said to Soberick.

“Kevin, it was a pleasure working with you,” Salisbury Township Solicitor Attorney John W. Ashley said to Soberick.

“I know lawyers and cops don’t always get along,” Ashley quipped.

“You’ve always been professional,” Ashley said.

“What really made it easy for me was the guys,” Soberick said, adding, “Good guys make a chief look good.”

A reception for Soberick followed the township meeting. A buffet included sandwiches, cheese, cold cuts, vegetables and cookies.