HOWLAND - Township trustees on Thursday named Patrolman Nicholas Roberts as the new assistant police chief and thanked Frank Dillon, who is retiring from the position.
Roberts will be paid about $58,000 annually and will receive sick leave, three weeks vacation and other benefits as per the township's policy.
"I plan on keeping this police department the premier police department that it is," Roberts said.
Roberts has served with the Howland police as a patrolman for the last eight years. Previously, he worked for the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office, and was a reserve officer with the Weathersfield Police Department before being promoted to patrolman there.
Howland Chief Paul Monroe said Roberts was chosen from external and internal candidates based on his standout qualities.
"He's committed to the job. He goes above and beyond on every call," Monroe said. "He takes a personal interest in each call."
"I feel exceptionally glad for him," said Roberts' wife, Suzie Roberts, who pinned his new badge on him at the meeting. Roberts' two daughters, Hannah, 17, and Abigail, 14, also attended the ceremony.
Dillon will officially retire as Howland's assistant police chief on Dec. 31 and be replaced by Roberts on Jan. 1. Trustees presented Dillon with a plaque for his service.
"It's bittersweet. You're losing someone really great, yet at the same time you're glad for them to retire,'' township Administrator Darlene St. George said.
The trustees also recognized Jason Toth, who has been working as law director for the township since October 2007. He will be taking a position within the Trumbull County Prosecutor Office's Civil Division.
According to Clark, Toth will be replaced by another member of Charles Richard's law office.