Eric Merkel is Warren's new police chief

Eric Merkel is Warren's new police chief

Eric Merkel is Warren’s new police chief

WARREN

Though the most significant change that occurred in the Warren Police Department Tuesday was the installation of Eric Merkel as chief, officials called it a “historic day” for more reasons than that.

Also taking the oath of office was Robert Massucci, who takes over as captain in charge of support services such as dispatching, grant writing and records.

Massucci, who comes from a law enforcement family, said Merkel’s knowledge in law enforcement has “pushed me hard” to prepare for promotional exams. “It was a long, hard road. I never thought we’d get here,” he said.

John Yuricek Jr. took his position as lieutenant; and Gregory Coleman, Bryan Holmes and Geoffrey Fusco were elevated to sergeant.

All six men are relatively young, with between nine and 21 years with the department.

With many of the department’s top officers taking retirement, it has opened up opportunities for younger officers to step up.

“This is a new day, a great day,” Warren Mayor Doug Franklin said.

“It’s unusual to see a change of the guard to the extent that you’re seeing today,” said Enzo Cantalamessa, Warren safety-service director.

Warren Law Director Greg Hicks said Merkel, who’s been with the department 18 years, values education among Warren’s police officers, not just for a couple weeks at a time, but also on a day-to-day basis.

Hicks said that attitude will help the department continue to progress as it implements a 2012 agreement with the U.S. Justice Department that resulted from unconstitutional policing practices dating back a decade or more.

“Eric is the type of person who says, ‘Tell me what the rules are, and we will follow them,’” Hicks said.