Newest cop will be oldest on the force

Jones was recently the chief in Johnston Township but was fired earlier this year.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CORTLAND -- The newest member of the police department will also be the oldest patrol officer on the force.
At 54, Rolland Jones will be the "low man on the totem pole," said Police Chief Gary Mink.
Mink has recommended that Jones, a city resident, be hired for the $12.84-an-hour position. There are nine other full-time police officers, Mink said.
Jones, who was selected for the post after finishing in the top 10 of the city's civil service test, will be allowed to begin his job if he passes a psychological and physical exam, said Mayor Melissa Long.
Mink and Long said Jones' age didn't concern them because the civil service officials stated he was eligible.
"I'm really looking forward to taking the physical," said Jones, who recently underwent a triple bypass. "I do the tread mill and ride the bike everyday. I now watch everything I eat, and I can tell you how many carbs are in 17 Fritos. I feel better than I have in years."
Previous service
Jones was recently the chief in Johnston Township but was fired earlier this year.
Trustees say Jones was fired for a number of shortcomings as an administrator, including not attending an appreciation ceremony at a township church and not filing monthly reports.
Jones said he sued the trustees in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court and was awarded $300 in back pay.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation were asked to probe the township police department in April. Atty. Maridee Costanzo, who represents Jones, however, said she talked to BCI officials and the investigation has ended.
Neither BCI officials nor trustees could be reached to comment.
sinkovich@vindy.com