HOWLAND New chief of police gets a warm welcome

The chief plans to update regulations and promote an officer.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- Becoming the police chief of his hometown was a lot like getting married, Paul Monroe says.
The 1981 Howland High School graduate was swamped with cards, flowers and phone calls from well-wishers he hadn't spoken to in years.
"I got a call from a secretary at the high school who remembered me when I was a student," Monroe said. "It was just so wonderful that these people remembered me and thought enough to call or send a card. I was really amazed."
Monroe replaced Steve Lamantia, who retired Feb. 7 after 10 years as chief. He was chosen in March after a nationwide search by the Ohio Chiefs of Police Association, which drew nine applicants, four of whom dropped out.
In his charge
Monroe supervises 18 full-time police officers, 11 part-time officers and a secretary.
"This is such an honor for me because this is where I grew up," he said, noting he has worked for the township for 17 years.
His knowledge of and experience in the township is one reason trustees appointed him to the post, said Darlene St. George, township administrator.
"I really like making sure that we are very visible in the community," Monroe said. "I want to do a lot of community policing. I'd like the officers to stop and talk to residents. We have a great group of officers here, and I would like the community to get the chance to talk to them."
No major changes are in the works, but Monroe would like to update the regulations and promote one officer to sergeant.
There about five officers eligible to take the sergeant promotional exam, he said, noting he would like to have the post filled in the next few months.
"I'd like to form a committee and have the officers participate in bringing the regulations up to date," Monroe said.
Murder case
For the past two years, Monroe has been chief of detectives and was instrumental in solving the December 2001 murder of Robert Fingerhut, officials said.
Fingerhut's former wife, Donna Roberts, and her lover, Nate Jackson, were arrested in the case. Jackson was convicted of aggravated murder and has been sentenced to death. Roberts' trial started earlier this month, and attorneys for both sides are still selecting a jury.
"Paul earned for himself the reputation of being an outstanding detective, and he can now share that passion and his knowledge with his officers," St. George said.
He is the first police chief to be promoted from within the department, she said.
sinkovich@vindy.com