Austintown police officer promoted

October 1, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

A veteran officer was promoted to sergeant during a short ceremony.

Valerie Saluga took her oath and was sworn in at the trustees’ meeting. As a patrol officer, Saluga was the department’s first female road supervisor, said Chief Robert Gavalier.

Saluga joined the APD four years ago and has worked in law enforcement for 12 years.

“Thank you for this opportunity,” she said. “I promise not to disappoint you.”

Gavalier said Saluga ranked first on the written test and the comprehensive evaluation.

Trustee Lisa Oles said Saluga “works very hard for the township and is a professional,” and Trustee David Ditzler said she does an excellent job for the department.

“I’m really happy for her, and for the township to have someone with her experience and credentials,” Ditzler said.

Gavalier also said that Sgt. Jeff Toth secured a grant for an undetermined amount of money to place a prescription drug drop-off box outside the police station.

He said Toth conducts prescription drug drop-offs several times throughout the year.