Police Chief Makes an Appeal to Hire Full-Time Officers

Nazareth Police Chief Thomas Trachta said last night that the killing of Freemansburg Police Officer “hit close to home.” 

Lasso worked part time for Nazareth in 2006, and his death, Trachta said, is an example of why he should be allowed to hire more full-time officers for the borough.

Lasso had responded to a domestic disturbance last Thursday in Freemansburg and was killed by a shotgun blast to the head.

Unfortunately, Trachta told Nazareth’s Police Committee, that was not the first death of a colleague he’s experienced.

Trachta was a New York City cop before coming to Nazareth in 2006.  And he opened Monday night’s meeting by reading a statement that chronicled the six of his fellow New York officers, all of whom were shot in the head.

The point, he said, is that “Nazareth must have two full-time police officers on duty 24/7. The days of the sole patrol should be over.”

Trachta said the borough must stop relying on part-time officers for police coverage. Nazareth has been short three full-time officers for nine months, he said.

“When can I hire at least one?” he asked the committee.

Committee Chairman Larry Stoudt answered, “When council gives approval.” Stoudt also said there is no time frame for that approval.

Then Trachta asked if there has been any movement on discussions about contracting police services from Colonial Regional Police.

Stoudt said there was no news on that issue either.

After the short meeting, the committee went into executive session to discuss personnel issues.

The public services for Robert Lasso will be held this morning at Northampton Community College. Representatives from Nazareth police and fire departments will attend, and one of the borough’s ladder trucks will join the procession.