The Village of Holland has appointed an interim chief of police to serve until a permanent leader is appointed.
At the February 6 meeting, council tapped Lieutenant Jim Piotrowski to fill the role while the village conducts a replacement for Chief Bob Reed, who retired last year.
Mayor Ryan Spangler noted, “the lieutenant has been acting in that capacity since Chief Reed retired,” and recommended he continue to do so but at an adjusted rate of $36.94 per hour.
Council approved the appointment which took effect February 4.
According to Administrator Bob Bethel, Interim Chief Piotrowski was hired as an auxiliary officer for Holland in November 2006, and became a full-time officer in March 2007.
He was subsequently promoted from officer to sergeant on May 18, 2021, and promoted to lieutenant later that year on November 2. Prior to his employment with the village, he was an officer for the Village of Swanton from May 2001 to March 2007.
He completed the police academy at Owens Community College in August 2000, and was hired by the Woodville Police Department, where he served until being hired by Swanton.
He is a graduate of Rossford High School.
“I want to thank council and the mayor for giving me the opportunity to serve as chief in the interim,” Chief Piotrowski said.
He then presented council with a report for 2023, in which he noted that total reports are down 25 percent from the previous year. “Shoplifting and thefts are down considerably,” he added.
On a more recent note, the chief said he is working on commendations for two village maintenance employees for recognizing a female in distress at the park.
It turned out to be a 15year-old girl who was listed “missing and endangered,” he explained.
She had been brought to the area from Cleveland, he said, adding she has since been reunited with her family.
“They were in the right place at the right time, and I’d like to present them with letters of commendation at an upcoming meeting,” he added.
The chief concluded his report, telling council that the department received a grant for $9,266 from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
The funds, along with $4,000 committed by the village, will be used to pay tuition for two candidates to attend police academy training. Other Business In other business, council:
•Approved the purchase of a dump truck for the maintenance department from Brondes Ford for $117,595, which includes a trade in valued at $8,500.
•Authorized technology upgrades to council chambers. Two 70-inch television monitor systems will be purchased and installed at a cost of $5,617.
•Set a public hearing for 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, to consider a moratorium on cannabis facilities in village limits.
•Approved payment to P&R Communications of Oregon for $4,104 for 14 mobile and 35 portable radios and a base station for the police department.
•Paid bills totaling $108,173.
Council’s next meeting is at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, in council chambers at the administrative building, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
