Last Updated on August 21, 2017 by cassnetwork
After 22 years with the Logansport Police Department and service in a variety of capacities, Police Chief Brad Rozzi is retiring from the department to accept a position with the Logansport Community School Corporation.
Rob Smith, the assistant chief, will assume his duties as the next chief Sept. 2 when Rozzi’s retirement is effective after pending approval by the Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety.
“We have been fortunate to have an officer with Brad’s education and experience in law enforcement to lead our department,” Mayor Dave Kitchell said. “Prior to him accepting his appointment as chief, we discussed his eligibility for retirement then, but it’s to Brad’s credit that he wanted to remain on the department and serve as chief. He qualified for retirement before I was sworn into office, but I was glad he changed his mind and became part of our administration.”
During Rozzi’s tenure, the county/drug task force was reactivated, resulting in more than 130 arrests. He sought and received approval from the city council to authorize overtime pay to officers involved in drug investigations. The department’s policy manual was revised and updated for the first time in years and speed monitors were displayed in more areas around the city. The department also secured take-home police cars for officers and is currently establishing an accident reconstructionist position in the department. Eight new officers were hired.
Rozzi’s retirement leaves the department with 38 officers and five open slots pending the next round of officer hiring later this year. Rozzi has served during six administrations.
In Smith, Kitchell said the city has a chief who has a firm grasp on numbers, staffing and the department’s operations.
“Rob has been the only assistant chief we’ve had and he’s been vital to Brad and our administration in negotiating the transitions of our department. We expect him to continue the track we’ve established for the department that focuses on continuous improvement.”
Rozzi’s hiring is subject to the approval of the Logansport School Board at its next meeting. If hired, he will succeed the retiring Dennis Richey. Rozzi’s wife, Brandi, also is employed with the corporation. They are the parents of two sons, Colin and Kyle.
Smith and his wife, Crystal, are the parents of two children. He is a member of the Logansport Community Baseball Board and is secretary/treasurer of the local Fraternal Order of Police chapter. He is a graduate of Logansport High School and served as a dispatcher and reserve on the department before joining it as a full-time officer.
Smith’s assistant chief will be announced in the coming weeks.
SOURCE: News release from Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell