Sat Jul 31 2010
Zesiger named new chief
by Amanda Harnocz
Reporter
Tallmadge -- Capt. Don Zesiger will be sworn in as the city's newest police chief on March 16.
"It's an honor and a privilege to serve as the chief of police in an organization full of dedicated officers willing to sacrifice so much of themselves for the benefit of the citizens of Tallmadge," Zesiger said.
Mayor Christopher Grimm chose Zesiger replace former Chief Mike Duvall after his retirement this winter.
"Don shows all the qualities of a fine chief and has leadership skills the department needs," said Grimm.
Zesiger, 49, has been with the department for 21 years and has lived in Tallmadge 20 years. He is married to Rosanne and they have three children: Carly, Adam and Steven.
He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2005 and earned a bachelor's degree from Kent State University in science and criminal justice. He previously lived in Cuyahoga Falls and Stow before moving to Tallmadge.
Zesiger, who said he is "excited" about the promotion, will officially become the city's newest chief when he takes the oath of office at a public ceremony March 16 at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 46 North Ave.
Zesiger, who is acting chief until he is sworn in next week, previously said he wanted the position because, "I feel like I know the operation ... I know what needs to be done and I'd like to have a part in the future of the organization and a chance to guide that."
Grimm said Zesiger's salary will be decided during a compensation board meeting soon. As captain, a position he was promoted to in 2007, Zesiger made about $81,000, according to the Finance Director Jill Stritch.
The captain's position will not be replaced, Grimm said.
"We're in the process of cutting back at the administration portions at the police department right now," he said. "We need to get more patrols on the street, we're looking to hire a new patrol officer in the next month or so."
Zesiger was competing against co-worker Lt. Ron Williams for the promotion.
Both candidates went through the assessment center and through psychological testing, and "both did a great job, they are both highly qualified," said Grimm, later noting that Zesiger scored 99.5 percent on the assessment test.
Grimm said he is happy with his decision to look within only the Tallmadge Police Department for the city's next chief.
"It says a lot about the department," he said.
E-mail: aharnocz@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3911
Comments
By Posting to this site, you agree to our Terms of Service Be polite.
Inappropriate posts may be removed.
Tallmadgeexpress.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Login above or Register to comment.
0 Total Comments Home | Back
Copyright Record Publishing Co, LLC. 1995-2010. All Rights Reserved.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Content may not be republished without the expressed written consent of the publisher.
Dix Communications