Liberty Township swore in Ray Buhala as its new police chief on Friday. Buhala has served as the acting chief since June 30.

Buhala joined the Liberty Police Department in 2006. He takes over the top spot from Toby Meloro, who retired last year. Meloro had led the department since 2018.

As far as recruitment for other roles within the department, Buhala expressed that they know the challenges of being understaffed all too well. 

"Those have been challenges we've been facing probably since 2020," he said. "We're continuing to get into the colleges, we're talking even to kids in our neighborhoods about the possibility of becoming a policeman and what that looks like."

While Buhala spoke on the obstacles they face, he also addressed the resources trainees would be able to utilize.

"Providing the training and technology that assists them to make them want to come to Liberty Township. Give them the best equipment, the best training and that will give them confidence to do a good job," Buhala said.

Michael Shuster was also sworn in as the department's new captain during the event.

The event was meant to celebrate the new leadership and the department's work with the community.