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Hughes accepts proclamation
YOUNGSTOWN
Outgoing police Chief Jimmy Hughes spent his last day in office filing paperwork, shaking hands and receiving a proclamation from U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan for more than 34 years of service to the city police department.
Hughes came into the office as usual Wednesday. He filled out some time cards and completed other paperwork, but by noon the plaques, small statues and plants that lined his walls were gone.
A large sheet cake thanking the former chief for more than three decades of service was sitting on a table.
The former chief accepted the one piece of recognition he would never have the chance to hang on the wall of his office in the police department — a proclamation from Ryan, of Niles, D-17th. The proclamation thanks Hughes for his decades of service.
Hughes would not say what is in his immediate future. He would only say that he has to first get used to no longer being called “chief” or “officer” and preparing to tackle the lengthy “honey-do” list waiting for him at home.
“It’s going to be a really big change,” he said.
Hughes did not focus on one particular part of his career he is most proud of.
“Almost 35 years as an officer and I have worked at every rank. ... I kind of think that what I am most proud of is being a member of the Youngstown Police Department. There is something special in each of those ranks,” he said.
Hughes said he believes he was able to make a difference with the department and that is the main issue as he leaves the department.
“I am able to feel in my heart that I made a difference, and that is all that is important to me at this point,” he said.