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Council names Kenneth Michael Schaeffer as Saint Marys chief of police, effective Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
The City Council appointed Sergeant Kenneth Michael Schaeffer as the next chief of police, citing 21 years of law-enforcement experience and a long record of service in the city; the appointment takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, with swearing in at the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting.
The City Council of Saint Marys voted to appoint Kenneth Michael Schaeffer as chief of police, effective Jan. 1, 2026. City staff recommended Schaeffer after an internal selection process following Chief Tom Nicholas’s retirement at the end of the year.
Joe introduced the recommendation and described Schaeffer’s qualifications: "Sergeant Schaeffer brings over 21 years of law enforcement experience, including the past 17 years serving the residents of the city of Saint Mary's," Joe said. The presentation noted Schaeffer’s supervisory experience and that he has served as the department’s canine handler.
Council voted by motion and voice vote to confirm the appointment. The council recorded the effective date as Jan. 1, 2026, and planned the swearing-in at the council reorganization meeting on Jan. 5, 2026.
Why this matters: leadership of the police department affects public-safety operations, departmental priorities and community-policing relationships. The appointment continues an internal promotion from within the department.
Details: - Appointee: Kenneth Michael Schaeffer (sergeant; department canine handler). - Effective date: Jan. 1, 2026. - Swearing-in: scheduled for the City Council reorganization meeting on Jan. 5, 2026. - Vote: motion by Tony, seconded by Ned; approved by voice vote.
Ending: Council expressed support for the new chief and asked staff to complete the administrative steps required for transition and the Jan. 5 formal swearing-in.
