43
Canfield Police Department promotes 6
By Elise Franco
Canfield
The retirement of a longtime police officer spurred six promotions within the department.
The six were sworn in during the end of November in city-council chambers in what Police Chief Chuck Colucci said was the largest group to be promoted at one time.
Colucci said the retirement of Andy Bodzak in September set in motion the six promotions. Bodzak, who was with the department for 30 years, had the positions of assistant chief, detective and sergeant.
“Some may call us a young department, but each of these officers has earned the right to his promotion,” Colucci said.
Scott Weamer was promoted from sergeant to assistant chief; Scott Bennett from patrolman to sergeant; Josh Wells from patrolman to detective; Matt Bartolec from part-time to full-time patrolman; Chad Debarr from patrolman to canine officer; and Bill DiFrangia from patrolman to school resource officer.
Colucci said the moves have proved effective for the department.
“It’s working out excellent,” he said. “Each of these officers have an incredible amount of pride and passion for the community.”
Weamer said the promotions are significant in showing the direction the department is moving.
“This is a time of change for us,” he said. “The retirement of Andy Bodzak opened up so many opportunities.”
The department currently staffs 15 full-time and six part-time officers, Colucci said. He said he hopes to hire two more part-time officers next year.