On June 27, 1892,
the Township Committee ordered the clerk to put up notices at different locations in the
Township for all dogs running at large to be muzzled.
On December 26, 1893, the Committee passed an act for the protection against mad dogs.
The Township Committee passed a proclamation that Lawrence Raymond, J. Mason Tomlin, and
Charles Carter are authorized to kill and bury all dogs male or female found running at
large.
On April 21, 1925,
the Township of Mantua Committee passed on ordinance making it unlawful for any person or
persons to drive, operate or use temporarily or permanently any auto, bus or buses or
other motor vehicles for the carrying of passengers within the limits of the Township of
Mantua without first having obtained a license from the Township Clerk. (Note: Fee was
$10.00 for autos and $25.00 for buses. This was lowered on May 12, 1925 to
autos-$5.00 and buses-$15.00)
In the
early 1900s
the state passed legislation enabling municipalities to appoint "Special
Officers." On March 22, 1917, the
Township Committee organized a temporary special police department using members of the
township fire departments. The "Committee of Public Safety" was also formed to
oversee the police force. The police chief was chosen, often being the current fire chief
or company president.
During the years 1960 to 1968,
the Township Committee budgeted and organized a police force of "Special
Officers." These officers, working part-time, used their personal vehicles and some
used citizen band radios for communications. In 1966,
the Township purchased their first patrol vehicle, and in 1967
obtained their first two-way radio. A second patrol vehicle, second mobile radio and base
station radio were obtained in 1968.
On
July 9, 1968,
an Ordinance establishing the Police Department in Mantua Township was passed. With the
assistance of the Police Chiefs Association, Thomas R. Connell was sworn in as
Mantua Townships first Chief of Police on September 29, 1968.
Chief Connell
served the Township until his retirement in 1980.
• Ronald H. Walker took over
as Chief of Police, retiring after 27 years with the Department, 18 as its Chief.
•
Graham B. Land was sworn is as the Chief of Police on October 12, 1999
and retired on June 30, 2008.
•
Rodney Sawyer is the Current Chief of Police.