Girard hires its first black safety officer

GIRARD — The city’s police department is ready to make history with the addition of its newest officer.

Larry Neely Jr., 33, a city resident, will be sworn in as the city’s first black police officer May 2 at city hall. He will also be the city’s first black safety-services officer, as the city also has not had any black firefighters.

Neely is a graduate of ITT Technical Institute and the police academy.

Three patrolmen, Christopher O’Brien, John Norman and Richard Bzinak will be promoted to captain at the same time.

Mayor James Melfi said Neely had the third-highest score on the city’s civil service exam without any bonus points, but his personality and first impression during interviews won him the position.

Melfi said Neely has the physical strength and mental attributes the city was looking for in a new officer.

“It is very important to note that this individual when interviewed by the safety-service director and myself was very impressive,” he said. “His personality and demeanor show great maturity and calmness.”

Read more in Wednesday’s Vindicator and vindy.com