Salisbury Police Officer Kevin Kress Promoted to Detective

Officer Kevin Kress was promoted to detective last week.

Kress, 51, joined the Salisbury police department in 2005 and served as its crime prevention officer and community police officer. Kress worked with residents on the township's East side, sometimes patrolling by bicycle. Previously, Kress spent 16 years with the Lehigh University Police Department. He replaces former Detective Brian Klimowicz, who retired last week after serving 27 years with the department.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Kress moved to the Lehigh Valley in 1972 and has been a Salisbury Township resident for the past 10 years.

"I look forward to continuing to help township residents," Kress said.

His promotion took effect Jan. 13. He will be sworn into office Thursday, Jan. 26 during the township commissioners' board meeting.

Kress was selected for promotion to detective based on his performance on a police civil service test and an oral interview with several chiefs of police in Harrisburg, Salisbury Police Chief Allen W. Stiles said.

will no longer serve as the department's community resource officer and DARE program officer, Stiles said.

The department cannot hire another officer to fill those positions because  commissioners did not approve enough money for it in, Stiles said. In addition, Pennsylvania has also cut funding for DARE training, he said.

As community resource officer, Kress conducted programs for township residents and businesses, met with block watch groups and worked with School Resource Officer Donald Sabo Jr. on various issues, including bullying.

“He kind of bridged the gap with residents, public works and zoning,” said Stiles. “Any issues at all, the people on the East side could contact him and he could help them through the process.”