The City of North Ridgeville and North Ridgeville Police Department (NRPD) is proud to announce recent additions and promotions within the NRPD. In a ceremony held at the Police Department on April 29, three officers were sworn into service. Later that evening, others were recognized for their promotions in a celebration held at the North Ridgeville Academic Center.
The new officers were administered their oaths of office, marking the beginning of their service to the community. North Ridgeville extends a warm welcome to David Belt, Spencer Collins and Nathan Herbster who were sworn in as the newest members of the Police Department.
“These departmental developments highlight the continued evolution of our police force and the ongoing commitment of our officers to the residents of North Ridgeville," said Mayor Kevin Corcoran. "We are proud to welcome new officers to our team and to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have earned promotions.”
The evening celebration honored promoted officers who have stepped into new leadership roles following several recent retirements. Although many have already assumed their new responsibilities, the ceremony provided a meaningful opportunity to formally recognize their achievements and service.
The city congratulates the following individuals on their promotions within the North Ridgeville Police Department.
Gregory Petek was promoted to Captain. Petek has been a member of NRPD since 1993. His specialties, training and awards include Master Criminal Investigator, CVSA Operator, Police Executive Leadership College, Detective Bureau Commander, Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and Lorain County OVI Task Force.
Officers who were promoted to Lieutenant include Matthew Gorski, Kevin Phillips and Brian Barens.
Gorski has been a member of NRPD since 1997. His specialties, training and awards include Master Investigator, FTO, Master Evidence Technician, Master Handgun Award, 25-year Safe Driving Award, Life Saving Award, Police Service Award, Educational Achievement Award and two Distinguished Service Awards. He is a former member of the Detective Bureau and is a member of the U.S. Secret Service Money Laundering Task Force.
Phillips has been a member of the NRPD since 2001. Prior to joining the department, he was a member of the U.S. Army Military Police. His specialties, training and awards include Field Training Officer, Motorcycle Unit, Crash Reconstructionist, Honor Guard and Unit
Commendation Award.
Barens joined NRPD in 2007 after previous service to the LCCC Police Academy and Elyria Police Department. His specialties, training and awards include Field Training Officer (FTO), Firearms Instructor, Physical Fitness Instructor, Driving Instructor, Scenario Base Instructor, Taser Instructor, Eastern Lorain County Emergency Response Team, Police Executive and Administrative Leadership School, Police Executive Leadership College, Physical Fitness Award, 15-year Safe Driving Award, Unit Commendation Award and Master Handgun Award.
The following officers were promoted to Sergeant: John Zingale, Charles Callicoat, Damir Kuduzovic, Ryan Jones and Ian Wilkshire.
Zingale began his service to NRPD in 2010 after being a member of both the Cedar Point Police Department and the Wakeman Police Department. His specialties, training and awards include Master Evidence Technician, FTO, Drone Operator, Honor Guard, 10-year Safe Driving Award, Physical Fitness Award, Educational Achievement and Unit Commendation.
Callicoat has been a member of NRPD since 2015 after serving in the Marine Corps including two tours in Afghanistan. His specialties, training and awards include, Drone Operator, FTO, Crisis Negotiator, Evidence Technician, Distinguished Service Award, Unit Commendation, Educational Achievement Award and Physical Fitness Award.
Kuduzovic joined NRPD in 2012 after serving Fairport Harbor and Kirtland Police Departments. His specialties, training and awards include FTO, Subject Control Instructor, Evidence Technician, Educational Achievement Award, Physical Fitness Award and Master Handgun Award.
Jones began his service with NRPD in 2014. His specialties, training and awards include Honor Guard, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA), Detective, Physical Fitness Award and Educational Achievement Award.
Wilkshire joined NRPD in 1994. His specialties, training and awards include Field Training Officer, Master Evidence Technician, a member of the Lorain County Bomb Squad and Traffic Crash Reconstructionist.
Each of these officers has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and law enforcement excellence. The officers were joined by their families in a celebration and reception planned by members of the Police Department and sponsored by the North Ridgeville Police Association.
The city acknowledges the dedication and service of all individuals honored and thanks them for their ongoing contributions to public safety. Chief Michael Freeman shared, “The promotions and swearing-in of new officers represent important steps in maintaining the department’s service to the community. We recognize the work required to reach these milestones and look forward to the continued contributions of our team.”