Chief Slifka demonstrated no leadership or compassion regarding the tragic death of my Aunt. Members of my family went to see him personally and felt totally disappointed in his analysis of what happened and what could be done in the future to prevent such a tragedy. That alone is reason to terminate him. The Trustees are showing great leadership in having Kent State come in and do an independent investigation of what happened and what could be improved. The Trustees are again showing great leadership on the matter of Chief Slifka. The trustees need to have a Police Chief that leads his troops, sets an excellent example, and motivates them to do their very best. None of these important behaviors are demonstrated by Chief Slifka. The third component that the Trustees are exploring is a program to connect the police with seniors and special needs residents. This also shows great leadership on the part of the Trustees. The program should be created in the name of Mary Rush. We lost an angel as a result of this tragedy. We need to make sure that this tragedy is not repeated. The Trustees need to stay the course. They are going in the right direction.
Bravo to the Trustees for engaging an independent set of eyes to figure out what happened and what can be done in the future to prevent a similar tragedy. I hope the investigation will be done expeditiously so that reforms can be enacted as soon as possible. Something went terribly wrong on Mansell Drive that night.
The Liberty Township Trustees must have an outside investigation of the tragedy of Mary Rush. The current Police Chief is not up to the challenge to lead or investigate. The elderly and special needs residents of Liberty deserve much more from their first responders. It is important Vindicator stay vigilant on this issue in order that improvements are made. The Editorial was appropriate and justified.
Regarding the live letter from Ms Norman entitled "All the blame put on the police", although I appreciate her compassion, I strongly disagree with her conclusion. It is the responsibility of a city's emergency management system to track the special needs and elderly residents. It is essential information for first responders. There is absolutely no justification for the lack of a walk-around by the police near the home of the 911 caller. As the tradegy unfolded, she was in the front of her home the entire time; first trying to break the front window to her bedroom to reenter her home, and then finally on her front porch as the rain poured from the sky. We are all looking to the Liberty Trustees to have an independent investigation done and clear recommendations to protect Liberty's elderly and special needs residents. The result should be an evaluation of whether Chief Slifka is up to the job of reform, and a special law or ordinance in the name of Mary Rush. She deserves a good outcome from this tragedy.
thank you for a strong editorial. Your perspective hits the nail on the head. Out of this tragedy something good must come. My Aunt was a compassionate and giving woman. She lived in her home for over 50 years. She took care of her family and everyone that needed help. She did so without pause; without thought of her own sacrifice; without thought of her own inconvenience. Her tragic death must result in a better response for the residents of Liberty Township. Aunt Mary is still helping others even in death, this her legacy.
The Liberty Trustees need to immediately put the Chief on Administrative Leave without pay, call in the State to do an INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION of the policies and procedures of the Liberty Police Department and make sure that this tragedy of neglect will never happen again. Liberty cannot investigate Liberty. Objective eyes are needed. They are required. This elderly victim should not die in vain. In death, her legacy should include improving the safety of every resident of Liberty. May she rest in eternal peace.
I am furious. Of course a foot search should have been done ON BOTH SIDES OF THE STREET. Maybe the first call to 911 should have shown a light on both sides of the street as well. But certainly the second call should have prompted the three police cars that responded to get out of their car, despite the rain, and walk the beat. This tragedy should not have happened. She was found on her front porch five hours after the first 911 call. She bled to death on her front porch. Absolutely unconsciounable. The Police Chief should revise his procedures immediately or be suspended immediately without compensation pending a full investigation. All of the residents of Mansell Drive will certainly appear to testify. This is absolutely horrible.
Liberty Police Chief Slifka asked to step down or be fired
Chief Slifka demonstrated no leadership or compassion regarding the tragic death of my Aunt. Members of my family went to see him personally and felt totally disappointed in his analysis of what happened and what could be done in the future to prevent such a tragedy. That alone is reason to terminate him. The Trustees are showing great leadership in having Kent State come in and do an independent investigation of what happened and what could be improved. The Trustees are again showing great leadership on the matter of Chief Slifka. The trustees need to have a Police Chief that leads his troops, sets an excellent example, and motivates them to do their very best. None of these important behaviors are demonstrated by Chief Slifka. The third component that the Trustees are exploring is a program to connect the police with seniors and special needs residents. This also shows great leadership on the part of the Trustees. The program should be created in the name of Mary Rush. We lost an angel as a result of this tragedy. We need to make sure that this tragedy is not repeated. The Trustees need to stay the course. They are going in the right direction.
May 30, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Police response will be reviewed
Bravo to the Trustees for engaging an independent set of eyes to figure out what happened and what can be done in the future to prevent a similar tragedy. I hope the investigation will be done expeditiously so that reforms can be enacted as soon as possible. Something went terribly wrong on Mansell Drive that night.
May 9, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. permalink suggest removal
In due time, all the questions will be answered about the death of a Liberty woman
The Liberty Township Trustees must have an outside investigation of the tragedy of Mary Rush. The current Police Chief is not up to the challenge to lead or investigate. The elderly and special needs residents of Liberty deserve much more from their first responders. It is important Vindicator stay vigilant on this issue in order that improvements are made. The Editorial was appropriate and justified.
May 5, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Use airport as an asset
Regarding the live letter from Ms Norman entitled "All the blame put on the police", although I appreciate her compassion, I strongly disagree with her conclusion. It is the responsibility of a city's emergency management system to track the special needs and elderly residents. It is essential information for first responders. There is absolutely no justification for the lack of a walk-around by the police near the home of the 911 caller. As the tradegy unfolded, she was in the front of her home the entire time; first trying to break the front window to her bedroom to reenter her home, and then finally on her front porch as the rain poured from the sky. We are all looking to the Liberty Trustees to have an independent investigation done and clear recommendations to protect Liberty's elderly and special needs residents. The result should be an evaluation of whether Chief Slifka is up to the job of reform, and a special law or ordinance in the name of Mary Rush. She deserves a good outcome from this tragedy.
May 4, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Liberty Township is late in acknowledging that death of woman merits inquiry
thank you for a strong editorial. Your perspective hits the nail on the head. Out of this tragedy something good must come. My Aunt was a compassionate and giving woman. She lived in her home for over 50 years. She took care of her family and everyone that needed help. She did so without pause; without thought of her own sacrifice; without thought of her own inconvenience. Her tragic death must result in a better response for the residents of Liberty Township. Aunt Mary is still helping others even in death, this her legacy.
May 2, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Liberty police response stirs concern
The Liberty Trustees need to immediately put the Chief on Administrative Leave without pay, call in the State to do an INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION of the policies and procedures of the Liberty Police Department and make sure that this tragedy of neglect will never happen again. Liberty cannot investigate Liberty. Objective eyes are needed. They are required. This elderly victim should not die in vain. In death, her legacy should include improving the safety of every resident of Liberty. May she rest in eternal peace.
May 1, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Liberty police response stirs concern
I am furious. Of course a foot search should have been done ON BOTH SIDES OF THE STREET. Maybe the first call to 911 should have shown a light on both sides of the street as well. But certainly the second call should have prompted the three police cars that responded to get out of their car, despite the rain, and walk the beat. This tragedy should not have happened. She was found on her front porch five hours after the first 911 call. She bled to death on her front porch. Absolutely unconsciounable. The Police Chief should revise his procedures immediately or be suspended immediately without compensation pending a full investigation. All of the residents of Mansell Drive will certainly appear to testify. This is absolutely horrible.
April 30, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. permalink suggest removal