2 new officers join Monroeville police force
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Two new police officers are on duty in Monroeville.
Mayor Nick Gresock swore in Jason Dembiczak and Robert Wratcher, at the May 14 council meeting.
Police Chief Doug Cole introduced the two officers, outlining their educational backgrounds and experience. He mentioned that Wratcher’s mother also had been a Monroeville police officer, making this the first mother-son connection in the police department’s history, though there have been several father-son duos.
Gresock said he was “extremely proud and grateful to have the police force that we have here in the community.” He went on to read a proclamation honoring local police officers and recognizing National Police Week, May 11-18, and National Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15.
“This proclamation is certainly an important proclamation for this evening and also even for this year,” Gresock said. “We’ve had a difficult year. Over the past several months, we had two officer- involved shootings.”
Cole gave an update on the recovering officers. “We had two — first-time events actually — in this past six months or so,” he said. “Those officers are both on the mend. One officer is back to duty as of this week, full duty. The other officer we hope to have back to duty sometime in the month of June. They’re both doing well.”
He thanked the council and the “whole community at large” for their support, including the blue lights displayed by residents.
In other business, council: Voted to donate $500 to support the police department’s fundraising efforts toward the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on May 21.
Accepted the low bid for the 2024 paving project from Shields Asphalt Paving for just over $1 million. The company is new to the municipality but has good reviews from several other area municipalities.
Accepted a bid of $374,379 for the 2024 sealcoat project from Russell Standard, the only complete bid submitted.
Mentioned upcoming events such as Monroeville Community Day on June 8 at the Community Park West; the Tall Trees Amphitheater’s Summer Concert Series, which kicks off May 31; and the household hazardous waste and electronic collection event on June 22. Register for the collection through Noble environmental.
Amended an ordinance to exempt non-union administrative employees from the requirement that they live in the municipality throughout their employment.
Gresock also read a proclamation for National Public Works Week, May 19-25, honoring the municipality’s public works professionals, who focus on infrastructure, facilities and services of vital importance.
Councilman Joseph Hyzy encouraged the community to attend the Memorial Day parade at 9:00 a.m. on May 27 and the ceremony that follows at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, 4000 Monroeville Blvd.