BUTLER TWP — Township officials are placing an order for two new police uniforms.

The township commissioners earlier this month gave the nod to hire two patrol officers who will begin work early next year.

They are David Endlich of New Kensington, most recently an officer in Westmoreland County, and Drew Blasko of Butler, most recently employed privately in Allegheny County.

The hires bring the department as close to a full staff as it’s been since John Hays became chief in the spring.

Hays, who was promoted to chief to replace Gary Garman, left open one lieutenant position. Then a series of officers moving on and retirements opened other slots.

The department, at full compliment, would have 21 officers: the chief, a lieutenant, five sergeants and 14 patrol officers.

With the impending retirement of Sgt. James Shearer this spring, the department will have 20 officers. The lieutenant and sergeant position still will be unfilled, pending possible promotions.

“No matter how you look at it, we are still down,” said Hays, who noted there will be a change in faces in the coming year among commissioners. “It will be up to the new board to decide what happens.”