Several Holland police officers received recognition for their service to the village and community.
At the March 19 meeting, Interim Police Chief Jim Piotrowski presented certificates to Officer Alexander Tonjes and Sergeant Ed Marckel and Sergeant Joe Bodnar.
Officer Tonjes received the traffic enforcement officer of the year citation. Interim Chief Piotrowski noted the officer received the recognition last year and has done a good job of enforcement on one of the busiest shifts.
“Alex is on second shift, but still manages to make traffic enforcement a priority when not handling calls for service,” he said, adding that the officer is dedicated to traffic enforcement and shows pride in his essential role of keeping the village roads safe.
Sgt. Marckel was recognized with an award of commendation.
“He goes above and beyond without being asked,” said the interim chief. “He also has been a pivotal part of the recent change of leadership the Holland Police Department has taken on.”
Over the past two years, the sergeant also has been tasked with training new hires.
“He worked 506 hours of overtime in 2024, filling in when he saw gaps in coverage and rarely needing to be asked,” the chief said, pointing out the sergeant did not want to see officers working alone.
“A prosecutor once described Sgt. Marckel’s work as dogged determination. I don’t think I could come up with a better term for his work ethic.”
Also recognized was Sgt. Bodnar who received the act of valor award for his courage in the face of danger.
Interim Chief Piotrowski said the sergeant responded to a structure fire at Hidden Cedars apartments on February 13, 2023.
Working with the Lucas County sheriff’s office, the sergeant helped evacuate people from the complex including an infant with burns and a trapped third-floor resident.
In spite of the danger to himself, “Sgt Bodnar continued to evacuate the building, pounding on doors to get residents out safely.”
The sheriff’s office said had it not been for the actions of the sergeant and the sheriff’s deputies, there would have been more injuries and possible fatalities.
“Sgt. Bodnar’s actions that night are the definition of valor,” the interim chief said.
Other Business
In other business, council: •Approved the purchase of new security camera systems for the police department from Unify for $14,895. They also approved the new systems for the Lodge at Strawberry Acres and Community building for $24,725.
•Authorized the mayor to enter into a supply agreement for natural gas within the village.
Village solicitor Paul Skaff said Archer Energy has submitted a better and lower bid for natural gas.
•Heard from Interim Chief Piotrowski that he extended a conditional offer of employment to an applicant currently working in the police academy.
•Learned from Mayor Ryan Spangler that the village should expect a 6 percent increase in its share of funding for the Lucas County Health Department. The additional $2,307 will bring the village’s amount in 2025 to $15,772.
•Reviewed several new village logos designed by Bowling Green State University art students.
Administrator Bob Bethel also showed a design submitted by clerk/treasurer Lyn Krasula that incorporates the village flower, the petunia.
The petunia was chosen as the village flower in 1940, he explained.
•Approved the purchase of two new swing sets for Strawberry Acres Park from Snider Equipment for $8,200. The swings will replace existing ones at the playground near the pickleball courts.
•Heard from Mr. Bethel that, in conjunction with Tim Bock of OHM, the village has submitted a small government grant application for the Whisperwood subdivision road project.
•Paid bills totaling $39,238.
•Heard from Carolyn Speck of South McCord Road regarding the use of a microphone system so attendees could better hear council members.
The next village council meeting will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public. ~Jane Maiolo
