Clarks Summit council approves contract to hire Kevin as new police chief

Clarks Summit councilors voted to approve a contract to appoint Kevin as the borough’s new police chief.

Council discussed recent candidate testing: seven applicants passed the written exam and the borough is scheduling oral interviews with regional partners, with the goal of conducting interviews at a work session. Councilors noted state pension funds could assist with hiring a new officer if needed for backfill.

A motion to approve Kevin's contract was made and seconded; one councilor voiced opposition during the vote. After the vote the meeting record reflected, "Kevin is our new chief." Council also discussed the process for final candidate lists and the potential need to recess and reconvene to complete hiring steps.

What happens next: the borough will schedule oral interviews for the top candidates and proceed with the personnel steps required by civil-service rules; staff will follow up on pension funding availability and recruitment details.