CANFIELD — Canfield Mayor Richard Duffett held his final mayor’s court on Monday, and after the last case, he was able to reflect on his life and service to Canfield residents.

Duffett is a lifelong Canfield resident who graduated from Canfield High School in 1977 and his love of sports helped him in his post-graduate years. Duffett was a three-sport letterman in baseball, basketball and football.

“I served as quarterback under Coach Sam Davis,” Duffett said.

Under Davis, Duffett helped lead the Cardinals to two 8-2 seasons before he graduated. It was those good seasons and Duffett’s ability that saw the U.S. Naval Academy search Duffett out to play for Navy.

Duffett accepted and played for Navy while he pursued a major in physical science and general engineering. He graduated in 1981 and was commissioned as an ensign on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that housed a crew of 6,000. He served the massive carrier as the athletic director.

From the Eisenhower, Duffett was reassigned to the USS Francis Hammond, a fast frigate sub hunter. His service on that ship was as navigator and athletic director, and he rose to the rank of lieutenant. In 1986, Duffett was playing a football game at a naval base in Japan when he tore a leg ligament, leading to a medical discharge.

“I lived away from Canfield for several years while I was in college and later on active duty in the Navy,” he said. “I moved 13 times to various places throughout the country and the world. It was during these moves that I developed an eye-opening perspective and became keenly aware of just how special, unique and charming it is right here, back home, in Canfield.”

BACK HOME

After being discharged from the Navy, Duffett returned to Canfield and found full-time work with a security firm. He married in 2005 and he also found time to help coach at the high school.

Ten years ago, Duffett was instrumental in starting the Till Open Golf Outing that raises funds for Canfield schools. It was named for the late John Tillery who was a member of the 1977 CHS football team of which Duffett was a part. The non-profit entity has raised almost $400,000, and this year brought in more than $80,000.

“My wife Brenda is a big help as she handles all the paperwork,” Duffett said

But he wanted to do more. In 2016, he ran for mayor and was elected. He took office in January 2017 and immediately began his four years running a mayor’s court.

“I had to attend special training in Columbus that is put on by the Ohio Municipal League,” he said. “Ohio mayor’s courts are sanctioned by the Ohio Supreme Court, who oversees the training.”

In Canfield, the court is the first and third Mondays of each month.

Duffett said the cases heard are misdemeanor offenses that include traffic violations, zoning and city income tax citations.

Most of his final court on Monday involved tax cases. Most of those attending had worked out a plan to become compliant and get their taxes paid. They will have to appear at a future mayor’s court, but will have the charges waived and will only have to pay a $75 court cost, if they remain compliant to the tax laws.

While court is the tough part of the job, there are other tasks that are what Duffett calls “the best thing about the job.” Proclamations make up most of those as Duffett got to honor scouts and athletes who have brought pride to the community.

“Also as mayor, I was legally permitted to marry couples,” he said. “I got to perform one wedding as mayor, and that was enjoyable.”

The final task for the mayor is serving on city council. Duffett said he was able to be part of moving the city into the future.

“We have opened up the village green more than it has ever been,” he said.

He also mentioned being part of the council that approved the comprehensive plan that will serve as a road map for Canfield’s future.

“I am going to miss the fellow council members and staff I have served with in my role as mayor,” Duffett said. “We served Canfield well.”

Duffett said in his retirement from public office, he plans on spending time with his five grandchildren and continue to enjoy the city he grew up in and served.

jtwhitehouse@vindy.com