FRANK LEWIS
PDT Staff Writer
NEW BOSTON — For the first time in the 106-year history of the New Boston Police Department, they have their own Fraternal Order of Police Lodge. The village department on Thursday officially formed Lodge No. 208.
“Basically we are just members of the FOP on our own instead of with another agency,” New Boston FOP Lodge President Lt. Diane Davis said during swearing-in ceremonies at the New Boston Police Department Thursday evening. “We don’t have a meeting place at this time. Hopefully that will come in the future.”
New Boston police officers previously had been members of Lodge No. 33, which is made up mainly of Portsmouth police officers.
In addition to Davis, Lodge officers include, Patrolman Josh Carver, vice president; Patrolman Kevin Lewis, Secretary/Treasurer; Patrolman Justin Bittinger, Chaplain; Captain Steve Goins and Patrolman Greg Powell are trustees.
With a Scioto County Sheriff’s race in full swing, the New Boston Lodge is now the only Lodge that has not voted to endorse a candidate.
“I don’t think we’ve gotten that far with anything yet,” Davis said. “We’ll be having a meeting very soon to discuss what our stand is on this, I think.”
Chet DeLong of the state FOP and Fourth District Trustee Darren Logan were on hand to administer the oaths of office to the officers of the Lodge. Davis, in turn, swore in the remaining members of the New Boston Police Department, including New Boston Police Chief Darrold Clark.
In 1906, the Village of New Boston was incorporated and the first Police Department was started with Art Rutter being the first Marshal. The department serves and protects a Village with a population of around 2,300 residents and a day time population of around 10,000 to 12,000 people who work, shop and travel through the village in various capacities.
Frank Lewisw may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.
Post a Comment
