LIBERTY Pilolli quits job of police chief

In his letter, the chief asked to stay with the department as detective captain.
LIBERTY -- Police Chief Michael Pilolli has asked to resign in the wake of a highly critical report by a state police chiefs association.
"I poured my heart and soul into making what I firmly believe were positive decisions, and I'm saddened that the police association report did not reflect my dedication to the police department and the good people of Liberty Township," Pilolli said in a letter, which he hand-delivered to township trustee offices Friday.
Pilolli has been chief since 1997. The report by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, released last week, recommended that he be removed.
"I didn't agree totally with the report, but the chief felt he could no longer be effective as chief, couldn't get the respect he needed as chief, so he decided to resign," said Trustee Chairman Jack Simon. "I'm saddened to see him go."
"I kinda expected it," said Trustee Patrick Durina. At an informal hallway meeting a few weeks ago, Pilolli told the trustees he felt he could no longer work for them, Durina said.
"It was mutual, it was cordial, and that is why we will probably accept his resignation on Monday," he said.
Pilolli could not immediately be reached to comment.
The department review was commissioned several months ago by trustees because of a rift between Pilolli and his officers. The review found the department "rife with organizational dysfunction" and criticized how policies were explained and training was carried out.
What's planned: Monday, trustees will discuss Pilolli's resignation, reorganization of the department and the appointment of an interim chief, Simon said.
"Most likely we will have more changes in the department within the near term," he said.
In the closed-door session, they also will discuss Pilolli's request to have his old job back. In the letter, Pilolli asked if he could resume being detective captain.