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Glenwillow swears in part‑time officer, honors retiring officer and wins body‑armor grant
Summary
Mayor Mark Cegelka swore in part‑time Officer Arnaldo Torres on July 17. Police Chief Greg Curtin recognized several officers for recent life‑saving actions, announced a $14,142.94 body‑armor grant obtained by Sergeant Russo, and presented a retirement plaque to part‑time Officer Pete Bernacki, who served 31 years.
Mayor Mark A. Cegelka swore in Arnaldo Torres as a part‑time police officer at the July 17 Village Council meeting. Torres—previously a sergeant with the Cleveland Police Department for 10 years and currently employed full time with the Cleveland Metroparks—was described by the mayor as bringing experience that will benefit the Glenwillow department.
Chief Greg Curtin recognized several officers for recent lifesaving actions. Chief Curtin said Officer Nicole Desmarteau performed about six and a half minutes of CPR during a life‑saving effort at a local company; the chief also acknowledged Part‑Time Officer Chris Hovan, a full‑time sergeant with University Circle, who applied a tourniquet and a clotting agent to a stabbing victim. Sergeant Russo was credited with applying for and receiving a $42,000 grant for new body armor; the Mayor’s packet later lists a grant award of $14,142.94 specifically to purchase body armor for the department (notification in the packet states that Sergeant Russo applied through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office).
The council presented a plaque to Part‑Time Patrol Officer Pete Bernacki in recognition of 31 years of service with the Glenwillow Police Department; Bernacki also served concurrently with the City of Euclid Fire Department as a full‑time firefighter and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. The council subsequently approved Resolution 2024-7-54 allowing Bernacki to purchase one department‑issued GLOCK Model 23 (serial no. baah698).
The Mayor’s packet included the resignations of part‑time officers Rodney Gist (effective June 9, 2024) and Marcus Fletcher (effective July 5, 2024). Chief Curtin told council the department has taken over the old Service Department garage and that Solon Police Department donated gym equipment for the converted space.
These personnel changes, recognitions and the body armor award reflect recent operational and staffing developments within the Glenwillow Police Department. Council approved the personnel‑related resolution regarding the retired officer’s firearm during the same meeting when multiple ordinances and resolutions were adopted.
