'Duty, Honor, Tradition' Is Motto Of The Magnolia Police Department.

History:

Magnolia has always had the reputation of being a quiet, safe village to raise a family. That reputation may be the result of the town having a well-organized and solid police department.

Back in 1846, when the two villages of Downingville and Magnolia were incorporated, power was given to the mayor and the marshal to resolve all criminal actions, along with the help of the court systems of Carroll and Stark County.

Since those days, the village has grown in numbers and many changes have taken place. There have been several marshals and police chiefs who have kept peace in the village. There are various stories as to who was the first to lead the Magnolia Police Department. Many believe Nick Mihal was the first police chief. He was followed by either Eli Oleich, Lewie Farber or Carl McDonald. E. Joseph was also a town marshal for many years.

In 1960, John Sommer became chief of the Magnolia Police Department. He served for 31 years. During that time, he was chosen Sandy Valley Citizens of the year in 1975-76. He was also was given the United States Gold Medals in 1986 and 1987 for winning the Pistol Combat Competition. In 1988, he won the International Law Enforcement Olympics in Australia, where he received one gold and three silver medals.

Upon Chief Sommer's retirement, David Bowling stepped into the post. While serving, he initiated the DARE program, using a state grant. As part of the program, Bowling went into the Sandy Valley Schools to help as a role model and to teach students to make responsible choices, especially when it came to drugs and alcohol. Michael Jones also worked as a DARE officer. Others who served with Chief Bowling were Paul Clayton and Jerry Nicholson. The current Magnolia Police Department, led by Chief Gary Gardner, serves a population of 4,500 people in the Village of Magnolia, The Village of East Sparta and Sandy Township (Stark County).

The department, at this time, maintains a patrol seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The department handles an average of 100 calls a month. This breaks down to about 50 complaints, 10 traffic crashes and several miscellaneous calls for service. Along with the above case load, the police department maintains traffic patrol and cites about 50 violators per month. The Magnolia Police Department normally carries on it's roster three full time officers and 11 part time officers. The department has been fortunate in constantly receiving grants to hire and maintain officers and increase patrol hours.

Chief Hager comments "The Magnolia Police Department has a long, deep-rooted history in the area, serving the residents in a professional manner. Our motto is duty, honor, tradition.

"We have not forgotten the tradition of the Magnolia Police Department and the individuals who have served as Magnolia Policeman in the past to help make the department what it is today."

In addition to Chief Hager the current police department includes the following personnel; Captain Joe Wigfield, Lt. Ryan Risher, Sgt. Andrew Shuster, Senior Patrolman Chris Knotts, Officer Nicholas Kline, Officer Gary Six, Officer Ricky Andersen, Officer Martin Kiss and Officer John Rinehart.