Staff photo / J.T. Whitehouse Part of the crew that makes Poland Township a safe place to live includes, from left, Police Department Secretary Diane Dailey, patrolmen Joe Patton, Nick Argeras, Marc Peluso, Jeff Lewis, and canine officer Ethan Moncilovich and his dog, Pogo.

POLAND TOWNSHIP — The police department plays a big role in making the township the kind of community where people want to live.

The department is a busy one, with 16 full-time officers, three part-time and one clerical staff member. Looking back at 2025, Poland Township police Chief Greg Wilson said the year started on a bittersweet note when 25-year veteran officer Julie Henderson announced her retirement.

Wilson said, “While we felt the loss of Henderson, we welcomed a promising new rookie, Ramsay Bagheri, whose potential represents the next generation of service to our community.”

Later in 2025, the department added another member when Sal (also known as South Side Sally) became the township’s second police dog. Sal is a rescue dog from Every Dog Matters.

Being a rescue, Sal came through a program to give rescue dogs a purpose if they are trainable. Sal costs the township little but brings additional coverage when canine Pogo is unavailable.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

While the officers play a big role in the department’s success, they also play an important role in developing community partnerships. They take part in Neighborhood Watch meetings and events such as the Safety Forces Appreciation Picnic, Coffee with a Cop at Stonefruit Coffee Shop, police dog demonstrations and a host of other gatherings, including the Fallen Officer Memorial Service.

Most of the events happen during the dayshift hours, so this year the department launched Cones, Community and Connections at Handel’s. The event allows residents to connect with officers, ask questions and build a positive relationship with the community.

“We wanted something our afternoon officers could be a part of,” Wilson said.

Another community partnership began this year with the Poland Township faith-based coalition meeting.

“This is the first program of its kind our department had,” Wilson said. “We work with Poland churches and provide their security teams with training.”

He said churches involved in the training were Holy Family Parish, New Life Church, Church of the Rock, Gospel Baptist Church, Prince of Peace Church, City Alive Church and Bethel Friends Church.

TRAINING AND WELLNESS

Officers also put in a lot of training. In 2025, three township officers completed Crisis Intervention Team training hosted by the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board. All Poland officers have completed 24 hours of state-mandated training, along with 16 hours of advanced training.

“Our school resource officer puts in 32 or more hours of active shooter training and tactical shooting training,” Wilson said. “It further enhances safety and preparedness within our schools. We were honored to receive a Business Honor Roll Award from the Ohio School Boards Association recognizing our continued partnership and commitment to supporting our local schools.”

Another important partnership the Poland Township Police Department took part in this year was a $10,000 investment in a shared training range with Campbell police and Boardman police. The training center is along the Mahoning River and uses former railroad routes.

The department also committed $10,000 to the Clarence Smith Officer Wellness Center in Boardman, reinforcing dedication to the physical and mental well-being of officers.

LOOKING AHEAD

The year ended as it had begun.

“We concluded the year with another bittersweet transition, as patrolman William Aaron accepted an opportunity with the federal government,” Wilson said.

Aaron was a four-year veteran of the department and a key contributor to the professional growth of officers through tactical training and mentorship.

“While we are saddened by his departure, we are proud to see him grow and advance in his career,” Wilson said.

All things considered, it was a busy year for the Poland Township Police Department.

“2025 was a year of progress and growth,” Wilson said. “Despite moments of change, our department remained focused on service, training and community engagement, resulting in one of our strongest years to date.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Wilson said his department will continue to provide a high level of community policing and services that residents have come to expect. One item for the new year will be the expected launch of the Poland Township Citizen Academy.

“This 12-week program, led by the police department, will offer up to 20 residents and community partners an in-depth look at policing operations, further strengthening transparency, education and community engagement,” Wilson said.

He also gave a warm welcome to newly elected Trustee Frank Demain, a 25-year law enforcement veteran. He will join Trustees Eric Ungaro and Ed Kempers.

Wilson said his department is at full strength, and with the 19 officers, mandatory overtime is no longer needed. He said at one time the department did have forced overtime because of limited staff.

“As we look ahead to 2026, our township is committed to a deep and honest reflection of the past three years,” Wilson said. “We will carefully examine what has worked, where we have faced challenges and how we can continue to grow stronger. Through internal evaluations, performance data and feedback from our residents, we will build on the strengths, address our weaknesses and ensure we are delivering the level of service our community expects and deserves.”