Montville police Lt. Matthew A. Neil will assume chief duties Jan. 4

MONTVILLE TWP. — Montville police Lt. Matthew A. Neil will take over as police chief Jan. 4 when current Chief Terry Grice will first occupy his new position at Medina County sheriff. Grice ran unopposed for sheriff in the general election. Neil, currently quarantining due to contact made with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, was selected by Montville Township trustees to be the new chief June 9. "I am excited," he said. "I'm already here in an administrative position. I'm not coming in off the road." Neil, 44, has been with Montville police for almost 18 years. He said he has assumed many of the day-to-day duties and has been writing all the grants for the last 10 years. He also has been responsible for scheduling and training, been involved in the budgeting and hiring as well as working with the technology in the department. "I'm excited to leave my mark on Montville," he said. "We have a great team. Our department is very community-oriented." Neil said the department will have a heavy presence in the schools with a DARE officer. Montville police still will be involved in the Medina County Police Athletic League, Take Control Program and the Juvenile Diversion Program even though Grice is taking them with him to the sheriff's office. He also is bringing Rebecca Byrne with him in a yet-to-be defined role. Sgt. Chris LaFond will be promoted to lieutenant under Neil. The two were finalists for the chief's job. "Chris is fantastic," Neil said. "He's such an asset. He came to us in 2005. He has a bachelor's degree in engineering from Purdue University. He's not only our senior sergeant, but was very instrumental in the initial Take Control Program and Juvenile Diversion Program." Neil said LaFond is one of the few certified accident investigators in this part of the state. LaFond is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the road patrol and Neil said he will transition into administration with the department and will take over scheduling. Also, Cory Searle will step into LaFond's sergeant position. "He scored No. 1 on that (test)," Neil said. Neil said the department also is looking for another officer to bring its roster back up to 14. Montville gave a multi-agency written test last week to 45 candidates for an officer, along with Westfield Center Village, Lodi Village, Brunswick Hills Township and Medina Township. He said not all of them are currently hiring, but they'll have an active list of potential employees if they are not. The candidates that did well on the written test will move onto the physical agility test sometime after Thanksgiving. After that, Neil will start interviewing the finalists. He hopes to make a hire in January or February. Neil also has hired two Montville residents as part-time administrative assistants. Christine Navicky will be in charge of records and will replace the retired Sandy Belsole. Richard Rodgers, who has IT experience, will be administrative assistant in technology. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.