Bath honors police officer for 50 years of service

by Laura Bednar

Sept. 7 regular board of trustees meeting

Bath Township trustees, along with several community members, honored Det. Lt. Richard Munsey for 50 years of service with the Bath Police Department.

Police Chief and Township Administrator Vito Sinopoli said he has worked alongside Munsey since 1985. “He has been an essential part of the township’s journey and success,” Sinopoli said.

Munsey was one of 12 cadets with the police department in 1971. He became a part-time officer in 1975 and was hired full-time in 1976, rising to become a detective sergeant in 1979 and detective lieutenant in 1986.

Munsey worked on three high-profile murder investigations. His accolades include Bath Grange Citizen of the Year in 2005 and “Top Cop” by the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office five times.

The resolution honoring Munsey read, “His thoughtful nature, enduring commitment to the police department and respect from his peers are a few of his defining qualities that make him an asset to Bath Township.”

Summit County Council member Jeff Wilhite presented Munsey with a commemorative plaque. “It is rare we have folks serving 50 years,” Wilhite said. “Thank you for your service.”

Munsey said when he came to the department he made $1.50 per hour and worked from 11 p.m.-7 a.m. then attended classes at The University of Akron. He received a Bachelor of Science degree, Master’s of Science and Juris Doctorate from UA. He is a 1972 Revere High School graduate.

“With the support of the trustees, we’ve had excellent employees and co-workers,” Munsey said. “I’ve been a successful person in having the friends I have here [tonight].”

The resolution stated, “Detective Lieutenant Munsey is recognized as a professional, always putting the interests of Bath Township first. He has witnessed both tragedy and celebration within the community and has always given selflessly to offer his heartfelt support in every instance.”

Resignations and hires

Trustees accepted the resignations of part-time firefighters and paramedics Steve Blasdel and Matt Aseka. Fire Chief Robert Campbell said Blasdel took a position as assistant fire chief in Copley and Aseka is testifying in Columbus in support of peer support, a program to help those with mental health or addiction issues. 

Brice Miller was hired as a part-time employee for the Bath Service Department at $17 per hour, and Colin Tuttle was hired as a seasonal employee for the service department at $12 per hour.

Robert Harris III was hired as a part-time laborer for $17 per hour in the parks department.

Payment and grants

Residents can pay for zoning permits online through the township’s website. Fiscal Officer Sharon Troike said the hope is to expand online payments to other areas, such as park shelter rental fees.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Kathy Sidaway said the Bath Community Fund has $50,000 to award to groups that strengthen the Bath community. Grant applications can be submitted online through Oct. 1 at akroncf.org/applyBCF ∞