Police - About Us / History
On behalf of the outstanding men and women of the Bushkill Township Police Department, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Department's website.
I am honored to have been given the opportunity to work with and alongside all of the dedicated members of this Department and to serve a community of which I have grown to be a part since joining the Township in 1998.
As your Chief of Police, I strive to provide a safe and secure environment with a quality of life that the citizens and visitors of Bushkill Township expect and deserve. Our full- and part-time officers are equally committed to the jobs they do and the people they serve.
I recognize that our partnership with the community of Bushkill Township is critical in providing efficient and effective police services. I assure you that the officers and staff of our Department are committed to making a positive impact in our community by keeping our Township a safe and rewarding place to live, work, and play.
This website is just one example of our desire to provide you with the most professional police services possible. It is the goal of the Bushkill Township Police Department and the Bushkill Township Board of Supervisors to work together to create and support a community which offers an opportunity for all of our residents to grow and prosper in a safe environment.
It is my hope that our website will keep you better informed regarding the Department, upcoming police/community events, crime trends, and the services that we provide. You can also follow our Department on Facebook to receive current news, weather, and traffic updates affecting Bushkill Township.
Thank you for visiting our website.
Michael McLouth
Chief of Police
Police Department Information
The Bushkill Township Police Department is a full-time, full-service law enforcement agency responsible for the protection of life and property within Bushkill Township, a 25.3 square mile municipality located in northern Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The Department operates under the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code.
Police Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Currently, there are 15 full-time and 2 part-time sworn police officers, as well as 1 full-time civilian administrative support staff who serve the community in a variety of ways: answering calls to service, assisting EMS and Fire personnel, enforcing the laws, and investigating criminal activity. In addition to serving the community, several Bushkill Township officers participate as members of Northampton County District Attorney's Office Drug Task Force.
Mission Statement
As members of the Bushkill Township Police Department, we are committed to providing a professional, community-oriented, quality police service for Bushkill Township. We are accountable and responsible to maintain order, protect life and property and to improve the quality of life for all Bushkill Township residents, landowners, members of the community, and visitors. Our goal is to preserve a safe and secure environment for all by creating and maintaining an active community partnership, accentuating the control and prevention of crime, and providing fair, objective, and professional service to the public. By maintaining order, protecting all constitutional freedoms, and enforcing the law impartially, we 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 ensure a lawful environment for everyone we serve, where all persons can be free of 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 and 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 treat people with compassion, tolerance, and dignity. We protect the rights, liberties, and freedoms, as guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Integrity
Our success depends on the trust and confidence of those we serve. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest moral standard by exhibiting honesty, trust, and courage.
Department History
The history of the Bushkill Township Police Department is one that could be elaborated on greatly if most of the early Township records had not been 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 1950s.
1950s - Tom Nottle was the appointed as the Township's only police officer for many years.
1972 - Howard Kostenbader was appointed as Chief of Police and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2003.
2003 - Stanley Coopersmith was appointed as Chief of Police until his retirement in 2013.
Chief Coopersmith's (pictured left) final farewell as Police Chief.
2013 - Michael McLouth was appointed by the Bushkill Township Board of Supervisors as Chief of Police.
Michael McLouth (pictured left) with retiring Chief Coopersmith at Board of Supervisors meeting August 2013.
Contact Information
Bushkill Township Police Department
1114 Bushkill Center Road
Nazareth, PA 18064
police@bushkilltownship.com
Office Hours: Monday through Friday - 7:00am to 3:00pm
Desk Officer: Officer Lohman
Office: (610) 759-9588
Fax: (610) 759-8554
Emergency Dial 911
Non-Emergency: (610)-759-2200
