Irwin is beefing up its police force.

Borough council plans to hire two part-time officers to supplement its current four-man police force, which includes Chief John Karasek. More part-timers could be hired in 2009.

"The borough's fiscal situation has improved to a point that allows Mayor [Dan] Rose and the board's police committee to recommend that council hire two part-time police officers," said council President John Fonzo.

"Mayor Rose and Chief Karasek have completed an interview process that produced two excellent candidates," Mr. Fonzo added. "Both are experienced in police work and possess the required state certifications. Plus we're building a file of applications."

"Public safety is a priority. I anticipate council will approve hiring the new officers at our meeting [next Wednesday]," he added. "Once they pass tests required by the borough and go through a period of training, Chief Karasek will determine when they're ready to go out on the street."

Residents and business owners in the 1-square-mile borough have expressed concerns about police protection since Dec. 31, when budget woes forced council to lay off two part-time officers.

Two other part-time officers resigned in 2006, and a veteran full-time patrolman resigned early last year to take a job in the private sector.

Over the past 21 months, Chief Karasek has been forced to juggle patrol shifts among three officers while handling administrative duties. Vacation time, court appearances and sick days caused some shifts to go unmanned. That fueled residents' concerns.

State police at the Greensburg barracks covered those shifts. Response became a concern. Police from neighboring North Huntingdon assisted Irwin officers in emergency or criminal situations.

"The borough never was left unprotected," Chief Karasek said. "Public safety of our citizens never was compromised."

"That's true," Mr. Fonzo agreed. "Still, I'm sure people -- especially our large senior citizen population -- feel more secure when they see borough police patrolling the neighborhoods. That's important."

"This is good news for every segment of the borough," Mr. Rose said.

"The timing of being able to hire two part-time officers is great," said Councilwoman Danyce Neal, a member of the police committee.

"The borough is bracing for nightmarish traffic congestion that's anticipated beginning in mid-January. Downtown streets will be ripped up by two major infrastructure projects. We're going to see traffic detoured all over town. Police will have their hands full."

The Westmoreland Municipal Water Authority plans to install 2,500 feet of 8-inch waterline along Main Street. Phase Two of the borough's nearly $7 million separation of combined sanitary sewer and storm water lines will follow in the same trench.

Councilwoman Peggy Watson, also a member of the police committee, said: "When council was forced to lay off the part-timers, it was with a promise that we would keep monitoring the situation and that when the right time came, we consider hiring part-time police again."