He promises to walk streets
During his decades of duty and ascent up the ranks of the Butler Police Department, Ronald Brown says he's never been averse to walking the streets, seeing the people.
He plans to continue that as chief.
“As much as I can be out, I will be out,” promised Brown, 51, on Monday, the day he was sworn into the job.
A ceremony in the Butler City Building was led by Mayor Tom Donaldson and the Rev. Matt McClain of St. Wendelin Catholic Church in East Butler.
Donaldson — just weeks into office — chose to promote Brown from his lieutenant's position, and replace former Chief Ronald Fierst. The third-class city code gives the mayor the right to make changes to the chief of police position.
Donaldson earlier said the decision for the change wasn't so much a reflection on Fierst, who had been chief for about two years, as much as it was a vote of confidence for Brown.
In running for mayor against incumbent Maggie Stock, Donaldson had a platform of tackling law enforcement issues, especially drug crimes.
On Monday, Donaldson said he is meeting with Brown and cooperating agencies to “refocus” the police activity, “step up” traffic and drug related enforcement issues and fulfill that campaign promise.
“This police department is a great bunch of guys, and they do a great job,” Donaldson said. “I just want them to do more of what they are already good at.”
Monday's swearing in ceremony was attended by a dozen of Brown's friends, family members and fellow police officers.
Among them was Paul Cornibe, who hired Brown when he was chief in 1990.
“He (Brown) will be a great chief. He's very knowledgeable,” said Cornibe, who remains friends and fishing buddies with Brown. “He always was one of my top officers.”
Brown was raised in the city, graduated from Butler High School in 1980 and started working for the department a decade later.
“I know this city in and out,” he said. “And I know the people of this city. I feel my devotion, my experience, and the love I have for my job will help me create a positive change on our streets. I'm honored and ready.”
During his career in the department, Brown has worked as a patrolman, a sergeant and a lieutenant.
In each of those roles, Brown said he was happy to spend time walking in the community, meeting the people and hearing their concerns.
“You will see my face on the city streets as much as possible,” he pledged. “I am going to try to make the city streets a better place.”
The department has 23 officers: chief; two captains; five sergeants, one of whom will be promoted to the lieutenant's position vacated by Brown; three lieutenants; and the rest are patrolman. As chief, Brown will make $80,811 this year.
Fierst, who started with the city in 1979, will return to his former rank of captain. He could not be reached for comment.
