Welcome to the Official Facebook page of the Bushkill Township Police Department. We are located at 1114 Bushkill Center Rd. Nazareth, PA 18064.
History
Bushkill Township has been in existence since 1763 and was incorporated in 1813. It encompasses 25.8 square miles.
The history of the Bushkill Township Police Department is one that could be elaborated on greatly if most of the early Township records were not lost or destroyed. What is known about early law enforcement in Bushkill is that George Stadler was elected the Township’s first constable in 1813. Constables were the main form of law enforcement in the Township until the 1950’s.
Tom Nottle was the Township’s only police officer for many years until he was joined by his assistant and eventual replacement, Howard Kostenbader. In 1972 Howard became a full time officer and the Chief of Police for Bushkill Township. It was also in 1972 that Stanley J. Coopersmith became a part time officer in the Township. Police operations were run out of Stanley’s home until the 1980s. In 1986 the police department was relocated to the Bushkill Township Municipal Building, and has been there ever since.
Chief Kostenbader retired in 2003 and Stanley Coopersmith became Chief. Chief Coopersmith retired in 2013 and Captain Michael McLouth was promoted to Chief. The current force consists of 13 full time and 5 part time officers. The department has two detectives, a K-9 unit, a School Resource Officer, two Motor Carrier Enforcement Officers, and two officers certified in Child Safety Seat inspections.
Mission Statement
As members of the Bushkill Township Police Department we are committed to providing a professional, community oriented, quality police service to the Township of Bushkill. We shall be accountable and responsible to maintain order, protect life and property and to improve the quality of life for all Bushkill Township Citizens, members of the community, and visitors. Our goal shall be to maintain a safe and secure environment for all by creating and maintaining an active community partnership, accentuating the control and prevention of crime, and provide a fair, objective, professional service to the public. By maintaining order, protecting all constitutional freedoms and enforcing the law impartially, we will serve the Township of Bushkill and diligently strive to accomplish our mission.
Our Vision
It is the vision of the Bushkill Township Police Department to provide a proactive police department dedicated to quality service. We shall ensure a lawful environment for everyone we serve, where all persons can be free from fear from the criminal activities of others.
Values Statement
To exhibit our commitment to our profession and to the public, the members of the Bushkill Township Police Department pledge to the following values:
Service
We are dedicated to delivering quality police service by recognizing the importance of strong professional standards, preservation of public trust, while respecting and protecting the rights of all citizens.
Respect
We are committed to the value of the “golden rule” and shall treat people with compassion, tolerance, and dignity. We shall protect the rights, liberties, and freedoms as guaranteed by the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Integrity
Our success depends on the trust and confidence of the citizens that we serve. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest moral standard by exhibiting honesty, trust, and courage.
