Boardman Police Chief Jack Nichols has told Boardman Trustees that he intends to retire, effective Jan. 6, 2018. His retirement will end a 40-year career in law enforcement, including serving since Sept. 9, 2009 as Chief of the Boardman Police Department. He began his career with the local department on Jan. 3, 1978.
      Chief Nichols, a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, Youngstown State University and the FBI National Academy, began his tenure as chief when the ranks of the department had been depleted in the wake of the tumultuous term of Trustee Kathy Miller, and manpower fell by some 15 officers.
      Under Chief Nichols, manpower has been restored to 64 officers, and the department’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit has been granted full authority in its efforts to combat rampant illegal drug use in the community.
      Chief Nichols was instrumental in the development of a countywide, emergency radio system, working in conjunction with Austintown police and county commissioners.
      He helped to develop the Prescription Drug Drop-Off program at the police department, working with Ohio Attorney General Mike De-Wine. The Drug Drop-off site is one of the most frequently visited places in the Township Government Center.
      Chief Nichols, working with Boardman Local School Supt. Frank Lazzeri, established and expanded the School Resource Officer program, and also established a direct radio link with the local school system for use in emergency situations. He later expanded those radio links to the Southern Park Mall and local hospitals.
      Of note, Chief Nichols rebuffed efforts by St. Elizabeth Hospital, that wanted their private, hospital security force to have the same powers as local police.
      In addition, he developed fleet management and car replacement protocols.
      “I cannot even begin to enumerate the blessings I have experienced because of my time as part of the Boardman team,” Chief Nichols said.
      He noted the selection of the next police chief is “very important to the community. I will do anything I can to assist the Board of Trustees in the selection, and transition of a new chief.”
      PICTURED: BOARDMAN POLICE CHIEF JACK NICHOLS WILL RETIRE, effective Jan. 6, 2018. He succeeded Patrick Berarducci on Sept. 9, 2009, following the election of Trustees Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun.