Township recruiting new public safety officers

Staffing at the Canton Township Public Safety Department is a concern of
officials who noted that currently the township is down two police officers and two firefighters.
“It's a regional thing, it's not just Canton,” commented Township Supervisor Pat Williams during the Aug. 27 regular meeting of the board of trustees when the staffing shortages were discussed.
Williams said he encourages applicants to seek the jobs. Officials also discussed the possible hiring of part-time Police Service Aides  to augment police officer and firefighter ranks. After the meeting, Public Safety Deputy Director Chris Stoecklein said retirements are a big factor in staffing shortages.

“Different attitude and education,” including paramedic and other advanced training firefighters now have. “Every municipality is having issues with hiring,” Stoecklein said.
“A lot of parents are pushing to get four-year degrees,” which influences their children, he added.
Canton Trustee John Anthony was with the FBI for 25 years. He noted that federal agency has a “huge backlog” for special agent positions. The FBI has many other support staffers, said Anthony, including clerical assistance staff and those with language abilities.
The meeting included recognizing Sgt. Matt Roberson who was recently promoted to his current rank. He has been a police officer with Canton since 2006, and was joined by his wife, Melissa and their children, Warren, Russell, Benjamin, Isabella, Brooklyn and Mickey for his officials swearing in.
Also on Aug. 27, Canton Board members discussed contracts with homeowner associations for 2020 and 2021 road work. That follows 2018 voter approval of a 1.45-mill road tax lasting 20 years.

Julie Brown - Staff Writer