Commissioners, others honor 26 police officers

Commissioners also bought an armored vehicle.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Honoring and assisting crime fighters was the order of the day Thursday for Mahoning County commissioners.
The board recognized 26 area police officers who participate in the U.S. Marshals Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. The officers received the Distinguished Group Achievement award Sept. 11 from the National Association of Police Organizations.
The team was formed last year and is made up of officers from federal, state and local agencies.
Youngstown Mayor George McKelvey credited the team with helping reduce crime in the city and thanked its members for their work and dedication.
"It makes a difference in the quality of life of the people in this community," McKelvey said. "You should be proud."
The officers also heard words of commendation from commissioners David Ludt and Ed Reese, Sheriff Randall Wellington and Capt. Kenneth Centorame, who represented Youngstown Police Chief Robert Bush.
Centorame and McKelvey said the crime team's efforts have helped sharply curb the homicide rate in the city.
"We hope this effort continues," Centorame said.
OK'd vehicle purchase
Commissioners also approved purchase of an armored vehicle to be used by area police as a tactical response vehicle. The $256,689 cost will be paid with funds from a federal homeland security grant, said Walter Duzzny, county emergency management agency director.
Lt. Robin Lees of the Youngstown Police Department said the vehicle will be bulletproof.
He said the vehicle will be large enough to transport police to dangerous crime scenes, but "can navigate city streets without a problem."
Lees and Duzzny said the vehicle, which should be delivered sometime next year, will be made available to authorities in Columbiana, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties when they need it.
bjackson@vindy.com