POLAND

Township officials said goodbye Tuesday to two longtime public servants: Trustee Bob Lidle, who is leaving office after 16 years, and police officer Tom Johnson, who is retiring.

Lidle thanked numerous people who have been part of his time in office, including his family, fellow trustees both past and present, and current and former township employees.

“My sincerest thanks to the people of Poland, who have bestowed on me the honor and privilege to serve them,” Lidle said, speaking at a trustees meeting.

Township officials thanked Lidle for his service.

“It goes without saying that Bob will be missed,” township Administrator Jim Scharville said.

Lidle lost a re-election bid, and leaves office at year’s end. Joining the board will be Edward Kempers, a retired Poland educator.

Johnson will retire at year’s end, having spent 34 years as a township patrolman and 20 of those leading the department’s anti-drug program in the school district. Many in the community know him as “Officer T.J.”

“You are something very, very special, not just to this department but to this entire community,” Lidle said of Johnson. “The mark you’ve left on this community – it’s going to be hard to replace.”

Johnson said it was “an honor” to work as a township police officer.

“Thank you very much. It’s been the greatest career that I could think of,” he said.