Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca responded to a letter Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Manager Melissa Wehr, after approval by council, sent to numerous surrounding police departments thanking them for the work in keeping their communities safe.

The letter was sent to commemorate National Police Week 2023. National Police Week was established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962. The week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Roca responded with a touching response on behalf of the women and men of the Allentown Police Department. He noted police officers in any community risk their lives daily to promote and provide safety to others. In his department’s case, he said his officers put their lives on the line every day to keep Allentown safe.

Roca is a graduate of Louis E. Dieruff High School and a graduate of the Lackawanna College Police Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. He closed his letter to Hanover with thanks for their continued support of police and public safety.

In other business at the June 21 meeting, Wehr requested council set up capital budget meetings July 19 and, if needed, July 20, to discuss capital plans and expenditures for 2024. She also reported Lehigh County Authority is providing grants to assist residents in paying water bills through the Lehigh County Authority Hardship Program. Visit dollarenergy.org for details.

Wehr said the River Central Comprehensive Plan was to be discussed at the June 26 council workshop meeting. The River Central members are Hanover Township and Catasauqua Borough, in Lehigh County, and East Allen Township and Northampton and North Catasauqua boroughs, in Northampton County. To access the comprehensive plan, visit planrivercentral.org.

It was reported there were 21 fire calls during May, including a mulch fire and a vehicle fire. Total fire calls, year to date, for the fire department are 128.

Council authorized the release of the final payment for the Allendale sewer replacement project to Wexcon Inc., Mohrsville, in the amount of $116,127.43.

After the meeting, Wehr noted the township continues seeking a part-time code enforcement officer. If interested, call the township office or visit hanleco.org to apply.

The next council meeting is 7 p.m. July 5 at the municipal building, 2202 Grove Road.