Poland trustees OK new police wage system

Poland trustees OK new police wage system

POLAND

Township trustees approved a new starting wage for patrol officers Wednesday and gave the police chief the go-ahead to recommend a candidate for a full-time patrol position.

The new classification lowers the entry level wage for patrol officers to $16 per hour, with officers reaching their top pay of $25.39 per hour after 10 years. The starting wage had been $19.51 per hour, said Officer Frank DeMain, head representative for the Fraternal Order of Police patrol union.

“They created a new tier system and for me this is monumental. This will save hundreds of thousands (of dollars) down the road,” said Trustee Eric Ungaro.

The contract change was presented as trustees consider filling a vacancy left by the retirement of 27-year department veteran Sgt. Gary Abeid.

Trustee Mark Naples said he didn’t think a new full-time hire was necessary and was the one dissenting vote on the contract change.

“I think we can do it with part-time officers and hold our ground with what we have,” Naples said.

The township has 10 full-time officers, including the chief, and six part-time officers. The board directed Police Chief Brian Goodin to recommend a candidate for a full-time office position.

Trustees, Goodin and the police union also recognized Abeid Wednesday for his years of service.

“We all respect Gary. ...He’s been a great asset to the police department,” Goodin said as he presented Abeid with a retirement badge.