Yardley Borough Council approved the hiring of a new full time police officer Tuesday night.

Council approved the hiring of Dakota B. Romberger who has been employed as a part-time police officer for the Borough since March 2020, officials said.

Officer Romberger is a graduate of Randolph (NJ) High School and Montgomery County Police Academy in 2019.

Romberger is the recipient of four department commendations, including the 2021 GEM Award.

Officer Romberger will fill the vacant position created when officer Joseph Harris relocated out of state earlier this year.

“In a time when police recruiting has never been more challenging, Yardley Borough was fortunate enough to compile, via the Civil Service process, a group of outstanding candidates, ” said Chief of Police of Joseph Kelly.

“Officer Romberger has demonstrated time and time again his commitment to the YBPD core values of integrity, loyalty, respect and courage…and “understands Borough policing and possess the right blend of emotional intelligence and personal initiative to make have a positive  impact on his community. “

Mayor Chris Harding swore in Romberger with family and friends looking on.

“We do not take the role of police officers lightly in Yardley Borough,” Harding said. “We honor and respect the duty. And we appreciate the commitment.”