SILVER LAKE: Cuyahoga Falls police Chief John Conley will retire Dec. 31, but he won't be leaving law enforcement.
Conley has been chosen to succeed Silver Lake Chief Gary W. DeMoss, who also will retire Dec. 31.
Silver Lake Mayor Bernie Hovey said Conley rose above the other three top applicants because of his experience, knowledge of the area and ability to work well with people.
''He demonstrates leadership and exudes confidence,'' Hovey said. ''He was very impressive.''
A fifth candidate for the job dropped out of the running.
When Conley retires in December, he will have served 25 years with the department, the last eight as chief.
Hovey met with Village Council in executive session during a special meeting Monday to discuss the position.
DeMoss has been chief for 17 of the more than 20 years he has worked for Silver Lake, Hovey said.
Conley said he spoke to Falls Mayor Don Robart before submitting his application to Silver Lake. He said Robart has been supportive.
Robart also spoke to Hovey before the job was offered to Conley.
''I sat down with him and told him Chief Conley's strengths and what I thought were his weaknesses, which everyone has,'' Robart said. ''John Conley isn't just a good chief, he's a good family man and a good human being.''
Conley said he is excited about this new opportunity.
''I want to thank Mayor Hovey, the Village Council and members of the selection committee for the trust they have shown in me during the process,'' Conley said.
Conley makes $98,157 as Falls chief. He will make $72,163 when he moves to the Silver Lake post Jan. 10.
The Silver Lake Police Department is much smaller than Cuyahoga Falls, with eight full-time officers — including the chief — four part-time officers and five reserve officers. The Falls department has 77 officers.
Conley said he will not draw his pension while he is being paid a salary in Silver Lake.
''I intend to continue to pay into the police and fire pension fund while working in Silver Lake,'' he said.
Conley said it won't be easy taking over from such a popular chief. ''I have some huge shoes to fill,'' Conley said. ''Chief DeMoss is very well-respected by the Silver Lake community.''
