In the News

The city police department unveiled its new headquarters during National Night Out festivities on Tuesday.

"The biggest thing was getting us out of city hall so we can expand our department," Hazleton Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker said.

In 2016, the department had just 32 police officers. Today, the department has has 52 full-time officers.

Schoonmaker said he's working with Mayor Jeff Cusat to allocate funding to expanding the force to 62 officers.

The building located at 780 N. Church St. formerly housed Elevate Business and Wellness Center. The city paid $1.75 million and had to do some minor renovations to convert into a suitable space for the police department.

"This department is always continuing to help the community. Hazleton sets the standard, Hazleton leads by example and represents the 116th district,"  State Rep. Dane Watro, R-116, Kline Twp. said.

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8, Moosic, echoed his praise saying, "this is a time when we come together and celebrate community policing, that's what we understand in Northeast PA.

"It makes me proud to get the money I get to support what they are up to, referencing $2,384,064 for HPD equipment and technology upgrades part of five Community Project Funding requests Cartwright submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration for the fiscal year 2025."

According to Cartwright's May news release, this funding was used to upgrade the department's technology, vehicles, and other equipment, improving response times, enhancing officer safety, and promoting accountability.