Department History
The roots of law enforcement in Bushkill Township date back to 1813, when George Stadler was elected as the township’s first constable. For more than a century, constables served as the primary law enforcement presence, handling local disputes and maintaining public order in the rural Pennsylvania community. It wasn’t until 1953, when Bushkill Township transitioned from constabulary service appointing Tom Nottle as its first full-time police officer, establishing the foundation for a more formalized police department. This marked a turning point in how public safety was managed, transitioning from part-time, elected constables to a structured, professional police force. The history of the Bushkill Township Police Department between 1953 and 1971 is relatively unknown due to Township records being destroyed by a flood. By 1972, the department had grown to require more leadership, and Howard Kostenbader was appointed as Chief of Police. Chief Kostenbader served with distinction until his retirement in 2003. At which point Stanley J. Coopersmith took the helm and was instrumental with technological advances within the department until his retirement in 2013. Captain Michael McLouth was promoted to Chief of Police in August 2013, and became the department's fifth chief. The police department has grown and modernized. It now offers a wide array of services and specialized units, including Investigations, K9, Motorcycle, Drone, Community Services, School Resource Officer, and Motor Carrier Enforcement. Today, the Bushkill Township Police Department is a full-time, full-service law enforcement agency, responsible for protecting the lives and property of residents within the 25.3-square-mile municipality. The department is accredited through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC), a distinction that affirms its ongoing commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community service.
