South Whitehall Gets Four New Police Officers

has four new police officers.

The officers -- Jaryd A. Winkelbauer, Eric A. Dotter, Andrew Janusz and Chadbourne J. Ellis -- were sworn into service by , who administered the oath Wednesday night during the South Whitehall commissioners meeting. 

The officers are Act 120 certified and will be assigned to Field Training Officers. 

* Jaryd A. Winkelbaurer, 25, is a graduate of . He attained an associates degree at Penn State University and Act 120 certification through the Allentown Police Academy (July 2011). He resides in Coplay.

 * Eric A. Dotter, 25, of Breinigsville, is a graduate of Parkland High School and Penn State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He received Act 120 certification through the Allentown Police Academy (June 2010).  

* Andrew Janusz, 23, is an Easton High School graduate. He received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Widener University and Act 120 certification through the Allentown Police Academy (July 2011). He resides in Easton.

 * Chadbourne J. Ellis, 23, of Alentown, is a graduate of Emmaus High School and received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Kutztown University and Act 120 certification through the Allentown Police Academy (July 2011). He resides in Allentown.

The new patrolmen, who replace four retiring officers, now bring the force back up to its full complement of 37 officers, according to Police Chief Thomas Toth.

The officers were welcomed by commissioners' president Tori Morgan. She said she was looking forward to a "long working relationship" with the new hires.

Toth announced that they would each be paired with a seasoned officer for 13 weeks of field training. "That means no days off," joked Toth.

Starting salary for a new officer is $53,026.