LANCASTER TWP — The board of supervisors approved entering a five-year lease Monday for a new Lancaster Police Department office.

“This is something we’ve been looking at for about a year,” chairman Greg Kessler said.

This new office space, he said, would help satisfy state requirements for the storage of ammunition and evidence as well as rules and requirements for separate detainment of juveniles and adults.

“The monthly lease payment for year one will be $1,222.22,” Kessler said. “It’s a square footage of 2,608.”

Located at 508 Perry Highway, in Harmony, Kessler said the township gave careful consideration to where the new office would be.

The department currently operates out of the township’s municipal complex at 113 Kings Alley, Harmony.

“The anticipated move-in date is April 1,” Kessler said.

The board also recognized patrolmen Andrew Grooms and Adam Drake for resuscitating a resident March 9.

“On that evening, officer Grooms and officer Drake utilized their training as first responders, administering CPR and the use of an AED to save the life of a township resident,” Kessler said.

According to Sgt. Michael Cornell, Grooms and Drake were called that evening to assist "an elderly female who was unresponsive.“ Cornell said the officers immediately began CPR until paramedics arrived and the resident was revived.

Police in the township arrive before EMS approximately 80% of the time, Cornell said.

“Officer Grooms, Officer Drake, your selfless acts are the embodiment of your professionalism and your human kindness,” Kessler said, “serving as an example to all of Lancaster Township.”

The board awarded each officer a letter of commendation and thanks.

“The board of supervisors and staff thank you for going the extra mile in saving this individual’s life,” Kessler said. “We’re truly proud of you. We appreciate your service.”

The Dec. 13 resignation of solicitor Neva Stotler was approved.

Stotler said Kessler had been with the township for 18 months to two years before resigning.

In her place, supervisors appointed Bench Law, Limited — operated by John Bench and Nicole Thurner — as the township’s new solicitor.

“We did do an extensive search,” Kessler said. “Our decision was based upon the background of this lawyer, our interview process with this local attorney, the competitive rate, and references or recommendations that came to us for this solicitor.”

The appointment, Kessler said, would take effect Monday at an hourly rate of $200.

The board also approved he resignation of Kris Smalley, the township’s office administrator, and the board authorized publicly advertising the position.