BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Police Officer Duncan Cahalan said he has always wanted to make an impact.
“Throughout my about five years with the department, I’ve experienced nothing, but absolute gratitude and accomplishment here,” said Officer Cahalan.
He is keeping the area his family calls home safe.
“It was the perfect fit right from the beginning,” said Officer Cahalan.
The department is looking to add more officers, like Cahalan to its force.
Police Captain William Audelo said the department is seeing a 10 percent deficit in staffing.
“I would say that the entire market, the entire job market for law enforcement, is seeing this effect. You know, the regular economy is going to drive how many applicants we get,” said Captain Audelo.
The department’s top patrol salary is $104,000. Applicants have to be at least 21. Requirements include successfully passing a physical fitness test, a written examination and a polygraph test.
Captain Audelo said the whole process takes around six months and the department is looking to get applicants into the January police academy class in Allentown.
“So, whether you’re prior military, whether you have been a police officer somewhere else or if you have a background in accounting or you know, computer science. Anything can make you a qualified candidate,” said Captain Audelo.
He said in 20 years officers are eligible to retire.
“In those 20 years, you can work investigations, community policing, in a school as a training officer, you can have a dog, you can ride a horse,” said Captain Audelo.
Being a part of it has meant so much to Cahalan.
“It’s one of the most proud things that I’ve ever had the chance to do in my life,” said Officer Cahalan.
Applications are due Friday at 3 p.m.