Martins Ferry swears in Vincent West as police chief; department reports arrests and juvenile complaints

Mayor of Martins Ferry on Oct. 15 administered the oath of office to Vincent West, swearing him in as the city's police chief.

Chief Vincent West told the council and audience he appreciates the support of friends and family and that he intends to serve the city well. He thanked previous chiefs by name and said he takes the role "personally." "I would just like to thank everyone for their love and support," West said.

At the police department report later in the meeting, department staff distributed activity forms to council that showed recent enforcement activity. The department reported 33 juvenile complaints last month and said juvenile suspects were involved in vandalism of a World War II monument and in a separate burglary at a new smoke shop, where about $9,000 in items were reported stolen; officers identified a suspect and obtained two confessions and are working on a third person in connection with the theft. The department asked for council support for officers as they continue enforcement and community outreach.

The attendance and remarks included expressions of gratitude from a resident, Richard Hoard of 915 Virginia Street, who thanked city staff for a prompt road patch on South Tenth Street and asked for updates on local issues including the possible reopening of East Ohio Regional Hospital and redevelopment of a former auto property; no definitive updates on the hospital reopening were provided at the meeting.

The swearing-in was a ceremonial item incorporated into the council's regular session; the department report gave council a snapshot of recent law-enforcement activity but did not include changes to department policy or budget at the meeting.