Rockford Swears In New Police Chief

(6-21-23) The Village of Rockford Council last night approved Sergeant Bryan Stetler as the new Chief of Police. Stetler replaces Paul May who will now be the Resource Officer with the Parkway Local Schools.

Caden May was also approved as the new 2nd shift patrolman.

From Rockford Village Council 6-20-23 minutes

Parkway Schools and the Village have a signed contract for the School Resource Officer position  (SRO). 

Letter of Resignation from Chief May –

I Chief Paul P May III do hereby resign as Chief of Police effective this date – June 20^th, 2023 to take the full time Resource Officer position with the Parkway Local Schools. It has been my greatest honor to serve this community as the Chief of Police for 24 years. I look forward to my continued service as the newly created School Resource Officer for Parkway Local Schools.

Motion Searight to approve – Paul May – letter of resignation as Chief of Police. Second Shindeldecker. Stephenson called for the question. Searight = y, Shindeldecker = y, Stephenson = y, M Heitkamp = y, Beougher = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 6 yes.

Motion Stephenson to appoint and approve Paul May as the full-time Parkway Security Resource Officer. Second Searight. Shindeldecker called for the question. Stephenson = y, Searight = y, Shindeldecker = y, M Heitkamp = y, Beougher = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 6 yes.

After several interviews – the Safety Committee is recommending Srgt Stetler to be promoted to the Chief of Police position for the Village.

Motion Shindeldecker to promote Srgt Stetler as Chief of Police — effective July 1st.

Salary increases $2,970 effective July 1st.

Salary increase with council approval – October 8th – $2,970.

Salary increase with council approval – January 1, 2024 –  $2,970.

Second Searight. Stephenson called for the question. Shindeldecker = y, Searight = y, Shindeldecker = y, M Heitkamp = n, Beougher = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes.

More interviews were held with remaining applications and the Safety Committee is recommending Caden May as the 2nd Shift Patrolman.

Motion Searight to approve/ hire Caden May as the 2nd Shift Patrolman at a rate of $21.00 per hour. Second Stephenson. Shindeldecker called for the question. Searight = y, Stephenson = y, Shindeldecker = y, M Heitkamp = n, Beougher = y, Heitkamp = y. Passed 5 yes

Presentation to Paul May — Thank you on behalf of the Citizen of Rockford for time as Chief of Police. Swore in Paul May as Rockford Patrolman

Swore in Bryan Stetler as new Chief of Police.