Hinckley Police Chief David Centner to retire in December

HINCKLEY TWP. — Hinckley Police Chief David Centner recently announced that Dec. 19 will be his last day when he retires. In a statement, Centner said he has spent 40 years in law enforcement, including nearly eight as chief. "As I turn toward this new chapter, my heart is full of gratitude for the memories and connections that have shaped my time in Hinckley," he stated. "Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life." Centner thanked his wife, Sharon, for his success in his career. "Her support and love have carried me through the good days and bad for over 25 years. We can now enjoy our time together," he stated. "I am looking forward to spending more time with her, our children and the 17 grandchildren. We are truly blessed." The Hinckley trustees accepted Centner's retirement on Tuesday and approved promoting Sgt. Mike Schroll to police chief effective Dec. 21 with an annual salary of $104,000. "It's always nice to see that there's an opportunity to promote from within," trustee Cindy Engleman said. "It will certainly lend some continuity within the department. I think he will do a very good job with the township." Schroll has served Hinckley Township for 19 years and recently graduated from the Public Safety Leadership Academy at the Ohio State University. "I know Hinckley will continue to thrive, supported by the same spirit of collaboration, kindness and commitment that has made my time here so meaningful," Centner stated. Trustee Monique Ascherl said she believes Schroll will "do a fantastic job as our new chief of police." "Chief (David) Centner has been, I think, really putting Mike (Schroll) in this role for the last couple of years and really teaching him as a mentor," she said. "Mike (Schroll) has stepped up and has been acting chief for about two months a year over the last two years." Schroll did not respond to a request for comment.