Irwin’s police officers will get a 6% raise beginning in January in the first year of a new contract.
The borough recently approved a three-year contract with the Irwin Police Officers’ Relief Association. It raises wages by 4% in 2024 and another 4% in 2025, said Shari Martino, borough manager. The relief association represents the police officers in collective bargaining.
The contract covers five full-time police officers and the chief, Martino said.
Lt. Mike Thomas, president of the association, could not be reached for comment.
In addition to approving the contract, the borough added a full-time officer, Justin Woods, at a rate of $25.62.
The hiring of an additional full-time officer will reduce the demand for part-time help, Martino said. The borough has one part-time officer.
“It gives us more flexibility and more stability in scheduling,” Chief Dan Wensel said.
In the past year, Irwin has had a difficult time retaining full-time officers, who have moved on to jobs with larger municipal police departments or the Pennsylvania State Police.
