Police Chief Rick Tonelli told the Solon City Council on Aug. 18 that he is retiring after 38 years in law enforcement and thanked colleagues and the community for their support.
“After 38 incredible years of service ... the time has come for me to step away from my career in law enforcement and begin a new chapter,” Tonelli said. He thanked Mayor Krause, council, department heads and his family and described policing as a multifaceted, demanding public service.
Council members and Mayor Krause praised Tonelli’s leadership, community-policing emphasis and efforts to stabilize and professionalize the department. In public remarks, Mayor Krause said Tonelli had strengthened community ties and expanded the city’s Citizens Academy; other council members called him responsive, professional and a role model. Council members repeatedly wished Tonelli well and noted his long service to Solon and earlier service in Cleveland Heights and Los Angeles County.
Tonelli used his remarks to emphasize the personal sacrifices of police work and urged officers to carry themselves with “honor, dignity and respect.” He also asked the department to remain safe and committed in daily duties.
Council members and the mayor said they would miss Tonelli and thanked him for his service; the meeting included extended public and council acknowledgement but no formal personnel action at this session.