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University Park trustees approve ordinance revising public-safety role and swear in Patrick Simpson amid pushback
Summary
After resident comments urging more officers and procedural objections from trustees, the University Park Board approved Ordinance 2026-03 to repeal and replace the director of public safety role and appointed Patrick Simpson, who was sworn in and outlined plans for emergency planning and recruitment.
The University Park Board of Trustees voted to advance an ordinance repealing and replacing the village's director of public safety position and then appointed and sworn in Patrick Simpson as director of public safety during a special meeting.
Residents at the start of the meeting urged immediate action on safety. Charice Williams told trustees she frequently sees people in the village carrying large firearms, saying, "I see individuals with firearms walking ... literal AKs," and asked the board to "keep University Park residents first, foremost, and safe." Several other residents called for more officers and asked whether the village followed proper posting and approval procedures for the new post.
The ordinance drew sustained debate…
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