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Do IT this week: Layering
By Phil Trexler
and Stephanie Warsmith
Beacon Journal staff writers
POSTED: 07:48 p.m. EST, Nov 24, 2009
Akron Police Chief Craig Gilbride has led the department for just under a year.
For the officer who rose reluctantly to the top chair over a three-decade career, it only seemed longer.
On Monday, Gilbride's reign will end with a retirement-party send-off at the department.
Gilbride, 58, took over the department last December, replacing Chief Michael Matulavich, whose contract was not renewed. It was billed as an interim position, but everyone called him chief.
In his 11-month tenure, Gilbride dealt with potential officer layoffs, investigations by the U.S. Justice Department, a mayor's recall campaign, a mayor's traffic stop, a mayor's 911 call, racial tension, issues with City Council, protest marches and support rallies.
''It was probably the hardest year of my career,'' he said Tuesday.
Gilbride's replacement has not been named.
The city has traditionally named an interim chief when police chiefs have retired.
Mayor Don Plusquellic is not yet ready to announce the interim chief, Deputy Mayor Dave Lieberth said Tuesday.
Gilbride has been with the department for 32 years, starting as a street cop and working nearly every detail within the department.
Serving in the safety forces runs in Gilbride's blood. He has an uncle who was a fire captain, two sons who are police officers and a brother who retired from the police department.
''I think Gilbride restored a lot of confidence within the department through his leadership,'' said Council President Marco Sommerville, who sparred often with Matulavich. ''He's going to be missed.''
Paul Hlynsky, president of the department's police union, said Gilbride was popular among the ranks for his easy-going, steady demeanor, despite the turmoil the department faced in 2009.
''He never acted like a transitional chief,'' Hlynsky said. ''He acted like a chief who's been there for years. He took a very difficult situation and brought calmness to it.
''Not once did I hear a bad word about him, from the highest to the lowest ranks. And that speaks volumes about the chief.''
Gilbride said he has no immediate plans, other than to stay home with his wife, De De, and his high-school-age children Kate and Tom. He has two adult sons, Mike, an Akron police officer, and Jim, a University of Akron officer.
He favors Maj. Gus Hall as his temporary replacement while Plusquellic conducts his nationwide search for a new chief. Hall and Gilbride were partners as patrolmen early in their careers.
Akron police have never been led by someone from outside the department. Gilbride said there are pluses and minuses involved in the concept.
''But I'll leave that one up to the mayor,'' he said.
Phil Trexler can be reached at 330-996-3717, or at ptrexler@thebeaconjournal.com. Stephanie Warsmith can be reached 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
Akron Police Chief Craig Gilbride has led the department for just under a year.
For the officer who rose reluctantly to the top chair over a three-decade career, it only seemed longer.
On Monday, Gilbride's reign will end with a retirement-party send-off at the department.
Gilbride, 58, took over the department last December, replacing Chief Michael Matulavich, whose contract was not renewed. It was billed as an interim position, but everyone called him chief.
In his 11-month tenure, Gilbride dealt with potential officer layoffs, investigations by the U.S. Justice Department, a mayor's recall campaign, a mayor's traffic stop, a mayor's 911 call, racial tension, issues with City Council, protest marches and support rallies.
''It was probably the hardest year of my career,'' he said Tuesday.
Gilbride's replacement has not been named.
The city has traditionally named an interim chief when police chiefs have retired.
Mayor Don Plusquellic is not yet ready to announce the interim chief, Deputy Mayor Dave Lieberth said Tuesday.
Gilbride has been with the department for 32 years, starting as a street cop and working nearly every detail within the department.
Serving in the safety forces runs in Gilbride's blood. He has an uncle who was a fire captain, two sons who are police officers and a brother who retired from the police department.
''I think Gilbride restored a lot of confidence within the department through his leadership,'' said Council President Marco Sommerville, who sparred often with Matulavich. ''He's going to be missed.''
Paul Hlynsky, president of the department's police union, said Gilbride was popular among the ranks for his easy-going, steady demeanor, despite the turmoil the department faced in 2009.
''He never acted like a transitional chief,'' Hlynsky said. ''He acted like a chief who's been there for years. He took a very difficult situation and brought calmness to it.
''Not once did I hear a bad word about him, from the highest to the lowest ranks. And that speaks volumes about the chief.''
Gilbride said he has no immediate plans, other than to stay home with his wife, De De, and his high-school-age children Kate and Tom. He has two adult sons, Mike, an Akron police officer, and Jim, a University of Akron officer.
He favors Maj. Gus Hall as his temporary replacement while Plusquellic conducts his nationwide search for a new chief. Hall and Gilbride were partners as patrolmen early in their careers.
Akron police have never been led by someone from outside the department. Gilbride said there are pluses and minuses involved in the concept.
''But I'll leave that one up to the mayor,'' he said.
Phil Trexler can be reached at 330-996-3717, or at ptrexler@thebeaconjournal.com. Stephanie Warsmith can be reached 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Paradise, Oh
Posted 08:09 PM, 11/24/2009
Craig Gilbride is a good guy. I hope he enjoys his retirement.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:23 PM, 11/24/2009
Good luck to Chief Gilbride.
In this day and age, being able to be the top police official and being able to stay above the fray in these times of turmoil is quite an accomplishment.
Norton, Oh
Posted 08:24 PM, 11/24/2009
"He favors Maj. Gus Hall as his temporary replacement while Plusquellic conducts his nationwide search for a new chief"
Why is the Mayor looking 'nationwide' for a chief? Oh yeah... he hates ALL Akron policemen. Maybe Akron should look nationwide for a new Mayor.... Beside, with his track record with the police department, I highly doubt anyone would be stupid enough to come here. Who would want to come to a brake city on the verge of layoffs... They survived this year, but what will happen next year?
somewhere near you, US
Posted 08:35 PM, 11/24/2009
Thanks zapdog, I was wondering when somebody would turn this into a way to slam the don.
My life is now complete.
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 09:12 PM, 11/24/2009
The new Cheif of Police will be: Bubblehead!
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:24 PM, 11/24/2009
First learn how to spell "Chief"
Akron, OH
Posted 09:24 PM, 11/24/2009
Good job, Craig, good Irishman ya are, and your family.
The next chief has to clean up South Akron, thugs crack head miscreants, dope houses, and make sure they stay on the Grant St jail for a long time
pieces of manure are ruining the town....oh, get your conceal and carry license, THEN see what ya got
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:25 PM, 11/24/2009
First learn how to spell "chief".
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:50 PM, 11/24/2009
===================================
"In his 11-month tenure, Gilbride dealt with potential officer layoffs, investigations by the U.S. Justice Department, a mayor's recall campaign, a mayor's traffic stop, a mayor's 911 call, racial tension, issues with City Council, protest marches and support rallies."
=================================
Doesn't Akron sound crazy?
Akron, Oh
Posted 10:00 PM, 11/24/2009
Bubblehead - did I strike a nerve???? Or are you really that stupid?
Tallmadge, OH
Posted 10:07 PM, 11/24/2009
Go to bed Mama D.
Akron, OH
Posted 10:17 PM, 11/24/2009
Zapdog,
Is there anything you don't complain about?
Akron, OH
Posted 10:18 PM, 11/24/2009
Remember, this is the article celebrating a man's 32-year career.
Posted 10:32 PM, 11/24/2009
ahhh. I see the Mayors buddies are upset about my post. You probably agree that a career Akron officer would not be the best choice for the job. We should waste money flying in candidates from all over... shower them with gifts... And yes, there is something I am don't complain about... I moved out of Akron 7 years ago, and haven't been happier or felt safer.
And I find it ironic that someone with a s/n like Question Authority is afraid to question the Don's authority.
Jason - yes it is celebrating a man's great service to his community. I personally know Mike Matulavich and know how the Don treats his officers. I commented on a part of the article. I didn't know that per your opinion, only selective parts of the story were allowed to be commented on.
Norton, Oh
Posted 10:47 PM, 11/24/2009
Logial - thanks for answering for me, but I don't need you to stick up for what I said. I too appreciate what our military, police, and fire/ rescue personnel do for their communities and their country. What I dont support with the article is hiring from outside. I feel Chief Gilbride has proven that a great leader can be found right here at home.
Posted 11:18 PM, 11/24/2009
Too bad he couldn't stay for ten years!
akron, OH
Posted 11:23 PM, 11/24/2009
Now he can draw his full pension and go work for Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander and get paid 90,000 a year like all of Alexanders other drinking buddies have done.
mogadore, oh
Posted 11:44 PM, 11/24/2009
Now he can draw his full pension and go work for Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander and get paid 90,000 a year like all of Alexanders other drinking buddies have done.
AND HAVE BENEFITS UNLIKE THE 45 DEPUTIES BEING LAID OFF
Akron, OH
Posted 11:55 PM, 11/24/2009
Retiring at age fifty-eight . . . . . he probably didn't like his job and is anxious to get out of it. Hell, I'm eighty-nine, and I retired just three years ago. I liked what I did; I just couldn't cut it anymore.
rmk/akron
Cuyahoga Falls, Oh
Posted 06:27 AM, 11/25/2009
Both Craig and Jack are top notch police officers !
Akron is lucky to have had both of them on the dept.
nobody has mentioned how many years Craig worked for the juvie court as a probation officer and how many kids her kept from returning to the system.
you will be missed and I hope you enjoy time off with the family it is well deserved!
Akron, OH
Posted 06:56 AM, 11/25/2009
We STILL have not received the results of that Dept. of Justice investigation. Why?
Oh, happy retirement.
Akron, OH
Posted 07:07 AM, 11/25/2009
Congrats Craig. Thanks for your service.
Akron, oh
Posted 07:29 AM, 11/25/2009
Smart man Craig you ran the department well and left to get away from the Mayors B.S.
I'm sure the mayor will get someone as worthless as Mike matulavich for a full tdime chief.
Moneypenny you looking at the job you are in the mayor's rear pocket.
Executive decisions for APD will be done with vegence and political gain and not what is good for the community.
Right Mayor
Crazytown, OH
Posted 07:36 AM, 11/25/2009
Question Authority: I love the saying on your avatar. It says it all!
Congratulations on your retirement from the police department, Craig.
Canton, OH
Posted 08:18 AM, 11/25/2009
Johnboy - Akron IS crazy
Akron, OH
Posted 08:21 AM, 11/25/2009
Logial American/Zapdog (aka ohio.com Terms of Service violator),
You're allowed to comment all you want. Just as I'm allowed to comment on your negativity. I never said you can't, I just called out your negativism in a story that was focused on the man, not the process of hiring a new chief.
akron, oh
Posted 08:43 AM, 11/25/2009
Congrats Craig, God bless you and your family.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:44 AM, 11/25/2009
''It was probably the hardest year of my career,'' he said Tuesday.
I concur. Thank you for your service to our city.
akron, oh
Posted 08:49 AM, 11/25/2009
Pwhack,
Concealed carry is not the answer to every problem. If it would make you feel better killing someone, I got a place where I can recommend.
I bet you are sitting in your window with thousands of rounds of ammunition by your side. Just waiting for "it" to happen. No woman, no nothin. Bet you can't make love to that M-4. I'm finished, God bless you Pwhak.
akron, oh
Posted 09:02 AM, 11/25/2009
Congratulations to Chief Gilbride on his retirement.
akron, oh
Posted 09:13 AM, 11/25/2009
So, Zapdog, You're Logial american...?
Akron, Oh
Posted 10:29 AM, 11/25/2009
Zapdog
Silly Zapdog...most cops want someone brought in from the outside we fresh ideas. They feel it is needed. Get counseling or something.
Congrats Craig on a great career!
Scottsdale, AZ
Posted 11:11 AM, 11/25/2009
Good job Craig! I had you as a young recruit in the academy and you were a standout then and have continued to be one. 'Best of everything to you and your family as you enter retirement.
Akron, OH
Posted 12:28 PM, 11/25/2009
Congratulations Craig....it was always great working with you, no matter where you were on the department.
I'm surprised you were able to tough it out for a year as Chief with this egomaniac of a mayor trying his best to destroy the department.
Good luck....retirement is nice, and you earned it!
uniontown, oh
Posted 01:28 PM, 11/25/2009
Craig Gilbride should have been Chief 7 or 8 years ago. He is a natural leader and will be hard to replace. I'm very sure that another leader can be found with in the ranks. Don't bring in a stranger to the City. We have enough problems as it is. Congratulation Craig. I'm so glad you made it out in one piece.
akron, oh
Posted 01:34 PM, 11/25/2009
''It was probably the hardest year of my career,'' he said Tuesday.
Well, maybe he was not the BEST man for the job!!!
akron, oh
Posted 04:15 PM, 11/25/2009
Congrats, Craig. Thanks. I hope Gus does a good job; I think he will.
Canton, OH
Posted 06:45 PM, 11/25/2009
Props to Chief Gilbride. . .Long May He Run. .
Tallmadge, Oh
Posted 06:52 PM, 11/25/2009
ZAPDOG FOR MAYOR
Akron, Oh
Posted 09:04 PM, 11/25/2009
Once again certain opportunistic individuals choose to slam the Mayor when this article was intended to celebrate this man's tremendous tenure in office. I completely agree with Mayor Plusquellic's decision to conduct a nationwide search... don't the citizens of Akron deserve the best available? I am sure if the best available turns out to be an Akron Police Officer, he or she will get the nod, but if APD does not have the best man or woman for the job - well it is what it is. When corporations hire a CEO or a University hires a President they do not limit their search to employees only.
Congratulations Chief on over 30 years of service!
akron, oh
Posted 10:28 PM, 11/25/2009
We love you, Chief Gilbride. So sorry to see you leave.
akron, oh
Posted 10:45 PM, 11/25/2009
I do not understand why the mayor would ever let this diamond leave. No one, (and I mean no one) has ever led the apd like Craig Gilbride.
The only breath of fresh air just left the building. We hope Hall learned a few things under the Chief's leadership. No doubt he did. They were best friends, partners, two peas in a pod.
The department is excited for the future! As long as Chief Gilbride is still in the shadows giving advice that is.
Crazytown, OH
Posted 11:49 PM, 11/25/2009
Maybe there are greater things in store...
mayberry, oh
Posted 06:50 AM, 11/26/2009
if we bring in a outsider he will have to do what the mayor wants him to do .
remember the Don changed the chief from civil servant to a puppet of the mayor....I wonder why after only one year this guys retiring????
I hope he enjoys his retirement
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 09:55 AM, 11/26/2009
@Rm Kraus
WOW way to go at your age,I think thats great! :-)
Congrats to the chief,,get out ,go fishing,something,32 years you deserve to do whatever you want to
Akron, Oh
Posted 10:12 AM, 11/26/2009
Sm_rta_s: Can you say Dep. Mayor for Public Safety. I hope not before all laid off workers are called back. Of course it would be like the Mayor to add to his staff as he cuts others.
Crazytown, OH
Posted 12:35 AM, 11/28/2009
peelinstick: Dep. Mayor for Public Safety. How'd I do? Question: Will former Chief Gilbride have a job in January? Magic 8 ball: Outlook not so good.
http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~ssanty/cgi-bin/eightball.cgi
Hey, I'm just telling you what the Magic 8 ball said. I wasn't convinced either so I asked Magic 8 ball the question another way: Will former Chief Gilbride become Deputy Mayor? Magic 8 ball answer: No way!
Try it yourself!
