Rittman names new police chief

RITTMAN — A new police chief has been appointed in Rittman with a swearing in ceremony expected sometime after the new year. New Chief Bob Shows, a sergeant with Rittman for 28 years, will take over for Ray Arcuri, who announced his resignation in late October following four years in the position. "I was 21 years old when I started here and, yes, this is something I've wanted and something I'm very happy and grateful for," Shows said Thursday. "It's been a crazy year and we want to continue a high level of service for our residents and get through this pandemic like everyone else." Arcuri was sworn in as chief in July 2016, taking the reins from nine-year incumbent Mike Burg, who served as a Rittman officer for a total of 38 years. Shows was named 2019 citizen of the year at the Rittman Area Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet this past February. He is a Medina native and grew up with a great law enforcement teacher. His father, David Shows, was a Medina police officer for 33 years before retiring as a lieutenant just after the turn of the century. "Both of my parents are living here in Rittman now and they, of course, were very happy with the news," the new chief said. "I'm just trying to keep the place running right now. I've been contacted by the city manager and I appreciate the vote of confidence they've taken in me." "This is something I've worked my whole career for and I'm happy to get to do it here in Rittman," Shows added. "It's the only thing I've ever wanted to do. There were some part-time and volunteer commissions when I was in college but Rittman was my first full-time job. It feels really good to still be here." Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (330) 721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.