POLICE For chief, it's 50 years so far

The veteran police chief recalls his good and bad times on the force.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Police Chief Anthony Ross celebrated an anniversary Thursday -- his 50th year on the city police force.
Ross, 79, also known as "Buster," has had a colorful and controversial career in law enforcement, but isn't quite ready to retire.
"I don't feel 80 right now," Ross said before a party held for him at the department.
"This is my last year, but it's not etched in stone," he asserted.
Ross joined the department April 1, 1954, after serving in the Army from 1943 to 1946 and being wounded during World War II in Europe.
He was the department's first juvenile officer and was promoted to captain in 1960. He became chief in 1973.
Known for his voice, Ross has performed various shows for charity. Occasionally he breaks out in a morning animated song at the police department.
Ross said his best times are when he can help the young or old. He has been credited with saving the life of a baby who had something lodged in its throat.
He recalled the parents bringing the blue-colored baby into a restaurant. Ross said he was able to dislodge the item by blowing it into the baby's stomach.
The worst time on the department is when he had to lay off police officers after the city was placed in state-imposed fiscal emergency in 2001, he said.
Difficulties
Ross has had his problems with city government and the law.
The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission filed a federal lawsuit on his behalf over age discrimination in 2001.
Besides an undisclosed cash settlement, the city had to post a notice in city hall that he had been discriminated against by the city.
Also, the administration and city council members were forced to attend mandatory classes about discrimination law.
"I did what I thought was right," Ross said.
In 1999, Ross was fined $300 and lost his driver's license for six months after being found guilty of driving under the influence and reckless operation.
Last year, Ross was fined $100 after being found guilty of operating a motor vehicle without giving full attention. The chief's city-owned car, which he was driving, had struck the owner of the South State Street Dairy Queen.
yovich@vindy.com