New police chief sworn in

by Dan Holland

Broadview Heights Police Lt. Don Polick was sworn in by Mayor Sam Alai as the city’s new police chief during a Jan. 24 ceremony in city council chambers attended by more than 100 people, including family members, city officials and safety forces personnel.

Polick, who has served 31 years with the department, thanked retiring chief Steve Raiff, the department and the city for the opportunity. 

Raiff retired in January following 35 years of service with the department.

“No one gets to this position entirely on their own,” Polick said during the ceremony. “I certainly had a lot of help and guidance throughout my career, going all the way back to the beginning, where I had good training officers, supervisors and peers. I’ve probably learned something from everyone who I’ve worked with throughout my career.”

“I would like to thank the people who mean the most to me – my family – for living with this career,” he continued. “Police departments never shut down, never close for the weekend and never have a period of time when someone is not on duty. They work around the clock every day of the year, including nights, weekends and holidays – and that can be a burden not only on the officer, but on their families as well. I’ve worked a lot of crazy hours during my career, and I want to thank my family for always being there for me.”

Raiff, who was presented with a resolution of appreciation by Alai, thanked the department, the city and his family for supporting him during his years with the police department.

“I was lucky as a 22-year-old kid to get hired in this department in this great city,” said Raiff. “I was lucky to be on good shifts with good sergeants and patrolmen who taught me how to do the job and taught me how to treat people right. I was also lucky to get extra assignments throughout my career, as I was promoted three times, and to get to this position [as chief].”

“I was lucky to have a wife and children who supported me in this career,” he added. “Everyone here, who is married to the job or related to the job, knows that it can be a difficult job at times where you miss a lot of things as they commit themselves to this job. … I’ve had a front row seat for 35 years to the greatest show on earth. It’s been a great job, and I was fortunate to work with great people.”

Patrol officer Bradley Sharkus was promoted to sergeant, and Sgt. Mark Gurich was promoted to lieutenant during the ceremony.Polick said he is looking forward to serving in his new role as chief. “It’s a lot of new responsibilities and a lot of things to think about, but I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “I think we have a lot of great people here, and I rely on them, and I feel like I’m taking over a very good department that was left in good hands by a good guy.”  

Photo caption: With the retirement of Steven Raiff, Don Polick (left) was named the city’s new police chief, while Bradley Sharkus and Mark Gurich received internal promotions. Photo by Dan Holland.