RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Interim police chief Calvin Williams will be staying on the job at least 90 more days -- and perhaps longer than that.
Mayor Kim Thomas was informed June 12 by Mary Muehle, chair of the city’s Civil Service Commission, that the commission had approved Thomas’ request that Williams serve another 90 days on the job.
Former Cleveland police chief Williams was appointed interim RHPD chief following the March 7 retirement of former chief Thomas Wetzel.
An interim chief is permitted to serve in 90-day intervals. The commission unanimously approved the extension of Williams’ original emergency appointment by another 90 days, beginning June 13 and ending Sept. 12.
When a permanent chief is selected, testing for the position will be required. Thomas will select the next chief, but does not necessarily have to choose the test’s highest scorer.
Asked Tuesday if he is interested in testing for the job, Williams would only say that he is “strongly considering” doing so.
Interim Richmond Heights police chief Calvin Williams (Photo Courtesy of City of Richmond Heights)
Juneteenth celebration
The city will hold its Juneteenth celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday (June 17) at Greenwood Farm Community Park, 264 Richmond Road.
“This celebration will consist of free food off the grill, free ice cream, inflatables and live music,” said Recreation Director Cameron Campbell.
The Juneteenth national holiday, which is observed June 19, celebrates the day in 1865 when the last American slaves were freed in Galveston, Texas.
Bike Tour with Mayor Thomas
Also scheduled is the June 24 “Tour de Richmond with the Mayor,” in which residents are invited to take a bike ride with Thomas. The free event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The meeting location will be Chardon Road Plaza, 26179 Chardon Road, in front of B2 B.B.Q.
Participants of all ages are asked to bring their own bike and helmet. Riders will receive a free fanny pack.
Auxiliary officers, part-time police officers, city mechanic needed
Williams said that the police department is in need of auxiliary officers to work the day shift.
“We’re looking for candidates that would like to serve the City of Richmond Heights in a volunteer, auxiliary police capacity during the day to assist with our different functions that happen in the city,” Williams said.
“We are also looking for part-time police officers for Richmond Heights,” he said. “That would be current police officers working someplace else in Cuyahoga County that would like to be a part-time officer with the City of Richmond Heights.”
Part-time officers are limited to 56 hours over two weeks, instead of the 80 hours worked by full-time officers.
Meanwhile, Human Resources Director Rhonda Lowe said the city is still seeking two school crossing guards for the 2023-24 school year, as well as a Class A mechanic for the city’s service department.
Lowe said the position of mechanic has been a difficult one to fill. It is a full-time, union position.
Although it is stated that the person hired needs to have a commercial driver’s license, Lowe said that if there is a good mechanic that does not have a CDL, that person should still call her about the opening at 216-486-2474.
Those responding to the police, auxiliary and crossing guard openings should also call Lowe at that number.
Read more from the Sun Messenger.