Police detective honored for service

by Laura Bednar

Dec. 19 township trustees meeting

The Bath Township trustees recognized Det. Lt. Richard Munsey for his 51 years of service before he retired at the end of 2022. Munsey’s co-workers and friends filled the trustee meeting room, which Police Chief Vito Sinopoli said is “a testament to your impact on the community.”

Munsey thanked everyone who came and said Detectives Mike Gabel and Daniel Lance will carry forth the detective’s office. Representatives from the Akron Police Department were in attendance, recognizing Munsey’s partnership throughout the years and his willingness to represent Bath at Akron events. Bath Township and Akron PD each gave Munsey a plaque recognizing his service.

The police department is ordering two 2023 Ford Police Explorers for $46,537 each. Sinopoli said the cost of the vehicles increased by $8,000 to $9,000, compared to vehicles ordered a year ago. The department is ordering the cars for next year now, with hopes of having them delivered by November or December of 2023. Sinopoli said the new vehicles will replace a 2019 explorer with 83,000 miles on it and a 2020 explorer with 80,000 miles.

The service department entered into an agreement with Summit County for the 2023 pavement maintenance programs, which include concrete road repair, asphalt paving, motor paving, seal coating, catch basin repair, asphalt rejuvenation, pavement marking and asphalt crack sealing. Trustee Sharon Troike asked Service Director Caine Collins how the department determines which roads will be worked on for the season. Collins said the department evaluates road conditions every two years to track deterioration, and employees know which roads need work after constantly driving through the township.

Trustees approved the purchase of a 5-ton dump body and equipment package for $107,862. The equipment is for a truck that was previously purchased. Collins said the equipment for the truck will allow it to be used for construction in the spring and for plowing and salting in the winter.

The board of trustees voted to elect trustee Sharon Troike as board president and trustee Sean Gaffney as vice president for 2023. ∞

Featured Photo: Det. Lt. Richard Munsey spoke about his career, offering gratitude to family and co-workers. Photo by Laura Bednar.