Hubbard Twp. man named police chief

The new township police chief takes over Monday.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Liberty Township's new police chief says he has confidence in his leadership abilities.
"I think I can lead the department into the next generation," said Anthony Slifka, named to the post Wednesday during a special meeting of township trustees.
The unanimous vote calls for Slifka, a Hubbard Township resident, to move into the township within a year of his starting date Monday.
He will be paid $58,900 annually, and the township will pay his contribution to the state employees' pension system. He will have three weeks of vacation.
Slifka was the pick of a five-member selection committee. He was among five applicants given the committee by the Ohio Chiefs of Police Association.
Slifka will take over for interim Chief Ronald Heineking of Kent. Heineking was named when Michael Pilolli resigned after an OCPA report critical of the department leadership.
Trustee Patrick Durina said the selection process was open. "There was nothing covert about the process."
Trustee Jack Simon said that he is "excited to move forward."
Slifka, who has read the OCPA's report on the department, characterized the force as having "little problems by not sharing in the future."
"I think there is a good nucleus of people in the police department," he said. "I can't wait to get started on the 13th."
Background: The new chief spent a year in Kosovo investigating war crimes while working for the State Department and attached to the United Nations in Kosovo.
Based on the dangerous conditions in Kosovo, Slifka said he believes he can handle the chief's responsibilities.
Slifka has a law enforcement background, beginning as a dispatcher and reserve officer at the Hubbard Township Police Department.
He served with the military police during an Army stint, worked for 11 years on the police department in Thornton, Colo., and was chief of the Fairborn Police Department near Dayton for 11 years.
yovich@vindy.com