CANFIELD — The Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Executives Association honored police for exemplary work, while at the same time noting how officers’ roles when dealing with the public are changing.

The association met Wednesday at A La Carte Catering in Canfield, where three Valley law-enforcement officers were recognized, and the organization’s new president took charge.

Springfield Township Police Chief Matthew Mohn recognized detective Cos-tandino “Gus” Lolakis and FBI special agent Aaron Hayes for their part in a $3 million loan fraud case involving an elderly victim.

As a result of their investigation, Mohn said an 11-count indictment was brought against six people, who scammed $172,892 in cash in wire transfers and 55 vehicle titles from a Springfield resident.

A news release from the FBI in March stated the incidents took place from June 2018 through September 2018.

The property was recovered, as was $27,000, which was given back to the victim.

Also rewarded was officer Ronald Craig of the New Middletown Police Department for investigative work, although he was unable to attend the luncheon.

Jackson Chief Greg Taillon, past-president of the association, said that officers are selected for valor and investigation, among other skills.

Prior to the luncheon, Taillon said Howland Township officers were recognized for their work during a shooting in the Giant Eagle parking lot, and Youngstown police officers received the award for life-saving skills when responding to shooting victims.

“It’s those types of things we’ve recognized officers for,” he said.

A police chief will recommend the officer, submitting associated police reports and newspaper articles to be considered.

Canfield Police Chief Chuck Colucci said that through the years, it has been “awesome” watching law enforcement receive awards for its work. “There is so much talent in law enforcement throughout the county, and it feels great to recognize them and the hard work they do,” he said.

A thought that came up a couple times was how law enforcement learns new skills to help the public.

Taillon said that law enforcement is evolving to train officers to respond to various types of calls, commonly in instances of mental health attention.

Working with the mental health boards and other resources, officers are identifying that crimes are sometimes committed not because of intentions, but because of mental health.

Oftentimes, officers are also trying to resolve an issue that has been ongoing for an extended time, and they may only be able to provide a temporary solution while prioritizing other calls.

“We at this point are dealing with domestic violence, we are dealing with situations trying to counsel people, trying to deal with a lot of different things, wearing a lot of different hats,” Taillon said.

Colucci was named president of the assocation for 2020, and he’s looking forward to helping the group grow.

Previously, Colucci was president in 2012 and 2013.

Through free training for local law enforcement, Colucci said it is important to make sure agencies are updated on constant changes.

He also recalled when he was first promoted to sergeant, a colleague told him, “the gold badge is heavy.”

Although change is constant, Colucci said he can rely on the association.

“The one thing I have found consistent… there’s one group of people I know I can turn to that appreciates where you’re coming from, and that’s this group.”

Also at the luncheon, Warren Police Chief Eric Merkel was named secretary for the upcoming year, and Boardman Township Police Chief Todd Werth was named vice president and treasurer. Association member Katherine Kieley was recognized for her work within the group.

afox@tribtoday.com