Jordan Petche calls for council action on Macedonia Police settlement agreement breach

In the heart of Macedonia, Ohio, a tense atmosphere enveloped the city council meeting on June 12, 2025, as former police officer Jordan Petche stepped forward to voice his concerns. With a stack of documents in hand, Petche, who served the Macedonia Police Department for a decade, brought to light serious allegations regarding the city’s failure to uphold a settlement agreement following his resignation.

Petche's primary grievance centered on the city’s alleged neglect to update his employment status from "terminated" to "resignation in good standing" with the Ohio attorney general's office, as stipulated in the agreement signed earlier this year. He argued that this oversight not only jeopardizes his future career in law enforcement but also misrepresents his professional standing to the public. “This purposeful inaction should be considered insubordination,” he asserted, urging the council to intervene and ensure compliance with the legal obligations outlined in the settlement.

The former officer's concerns extended beyond his personal situation. He highlighted a troubling trend within the Macedonia Police Department, noting that over half of the department's officers had resigned in recent years. Petche emphasized that this high turnover rate raises significant questions about the department's leadership and the overall safety of the community. “This is clearly a retention issue and not a recruitment issue,” he stated, calling for an investigation into the reasons behind the mass departures.

As Petche concluded his remarks, the council members listened intently, with some expressing a desire to address the issues raised. The city’s law director responded, indicating that there may have been miscommunication regarding the settlement agreement and the status updates required. He emphasized the importance of factual accuracy in the ongoing discussions.

The meeting underscored a critical moment for Macedonia, as the council faces pressing issues that could impact the stability of its police force and the trust of its residents. With the future of the department hanging in the balance, the council's next steps will be crucial in addressing both Petche's concerns and the broader implications for community safety. As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere remained charged with anticipation, leaving residents eager to see how their leaders would respond to these pressing challenges.