Meet the New Downtown Emmaus Officer, Richard Klotz

Name: Richard Klotz

Where do you live? Bethlehem

Tell us a little about your family.  

Married with three children and two grandchildren.

Where did you go to school? What degrees have you earned?

• Business Administration from Northampton Community College

• Marketing from Penn State University

What do you do for a living? What is your official title? 

Downtown Officer,

Explain your responsibilities in your new position with the Emmaus Police Department. 

"My responsibilities are focused on establishing a police presence in the downtown business section through foot patrol of the area; while also serving as a liaison between the residents, merchants and the police department for issues relating to the safety and security of those working or visiting the area.

"I also help to enforce the mandated parking restrictions to facilitate better customer access to the many businesses in the ."

Tell us what you enjoy about working in Emmaus. 

"In my opinion, the Borough really typifies 'Small-Town America.' The main business district features many small, unique, family-owned shops with a relaxed atmosphere that is very welcoming to their customers and visitors." 

What have you found to be the greatest challenge in your job? 

"Due to the extended vacancy of the position, it's natural that many merchants and customers have become accustomed to un-enforced parking restrictions, especially during peak shopping periods. We receive many complaints about the limited parking in the downtown area and are seeking to insure that shop patrons have an available parking spot for a few hours."

Do you have any long-term goals for working with the Emmaus Police Department? 

"Through my conversations with many merchants, I've learned that served the public in many capacities and was highly respected, as well as deeply missed, by those who knew him.

"My goal would be to try to build on the foundation he established in his years with the department and continue his legacy of service and professionalism."

What are your hobbies/interests? 

"My family and just about anything to do with basketball. Their support has allowed me to coach at Moravian College, Northampton High School, Holy Family School, and The Keystone State Games along with many AAU teams and basketball camps over the past 20 years."

Have you found a favorite lunch spot in Emmaus? If so, do you have a favorite meal there? 

"Earlier visits to Emmaus allowed me to discover the 'Hog' at . I still enjoy their sandwiches and Maryland crab soup, when it's available. But I'm sure I'll discover other favorites during my time here."

What is your favorite quote? 

"Past experiences of teaching young athletes to overcome adversity in basketball or their personal life has led me to quote Friedrich Nietzsche many times: 'That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.' It may sound a bit extreme, but it helps get a point across."