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Valley View police chief to retire Feb. 14; new firefighter sworn in and fire department receives equipment donation
Summary
Police Chief Niro said his retirement on Feb. 14, 2026 is planned and the department is preparing for a seamless leadership transition; Council also approved a new full‑time firefighter and Fire Chief Papesh reported about $30,000 of equipment obtained through a partnership with Maple Heights and Planet Fitness.
Police Chief Niro told the Jan. 6 Village Council meeting that preparations are underway for his retirement on Feb. 14, 2026 and that he expects a seamless leadership transition. Niro said the department is fully certified as an Ohio collaborative department, that its jail certification and required documentation are being maintained, and that several grants are pending to replace equipment.
Council approved Ordinance 2026‑1‑2 appointing Anthony Makaryk as a full‑time firefighter; Fire Chief Papesh said Makaryk served part time previously and joined Valley View from Strongsville. "He is a really good guy and really good fireman and we are lucky to have him," Papesh said. Makaryk was sworn in by Mayor Matt March following the Council vote.
Papesh also reported the department obtained roughly $30,000 worth of equipment from Planet Fitness through a partnership with the Maple Heights Fire Department. He said promotions, including replacing Lieutenant Koscielski when he retires in March 2026, will be discussed by the newly formed safety committee.
Police Chief Niro acknowledged the Southwest Enforcement Bureau for assisting Valley View detectives with a high‑risk search and arrest warrant executed in East Cleveland on a local case; the suspect was turned over to Valley View authorities the next day, Niro said.
The Council did not announce a successor to Chief Niro at the Jan. 6 meeting; staff said transition work is in progress.
