RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Police Chief Thomas Wetzel, who strived to make the department “the gold standard of policing” and who worked to build a bond between the department and the city’s youth, has announced that he will be retiring from the position in March.
Wetzel was hired by former mayor David Roche in October 2018 to succeed former chief Gene Rowe. At the time of his hiring, Wetzel was a lieutenant with the Beachwood Police Department.
“God blessed me with an amazing opportunity to serve this police department and community, and I loved and cherished every moment of it,” Wetzel said in a statement released Tuesday (Feb. 7).
“After 35 years of being a police officer, I’m retiring on March 7.
“I have had the chance to work with some amazing men and women who are devoted public servants. The city caught lightning in a bottle with this police department. They do a fantastic job 24/7, and they are some of the best police personnel in the entire state of Ohio,” Wetzel said.
“They are a national model of excellence and they have set a gold standard on how a police department should serve its community. Even our governor (Mike DeWine) and lieutenant governor (Jon Husted) recently recognized them as a Gold Standard police department. That is really something for them to say that!”
Wetzel, a strong believer in community policing, went on to say of RHPD officers: “These are trustworthy public servant guardians who risk their lives day in and day out for those they serve. They have made a huge difference in this community, and I hope and pray that they are always supported.
“These are challenging times like no other for cops right now. Numerous citizen surveys have consistently shown how much our community believes in them, and for good reason. They truly are a classy group of men and women.
“Two areas I was particularly happy about was the police/citizen harmony our department created in not just our community, but the entire area,” he said.
“There was a wonderful symbiotic relationship between the server and the served as we worked together to make our community a safer place to live and thrive.
“Also, our work in youth outreach is simply outstanding. We are developing what I believe will be generational relationships with our young people.”
Wetzel began his police career as an RHPD dispatcher from 1985 to 1987. He joined the Beachwood Police Department in 1987 and worked for 31 years there until his hiring as RHPD chief.
“I will always have a soft spot for (Roche), as he gave me this amazing opportunity and I enjoyed working with him,” Wetzel said.
He said he has also enjoyed serving with current Mayor Kim Thomas, whom he has known for several years.
The 58-year-old Wetzel said he has begun writing a book on the subject of police leadership and hopes to finish it soon. He is also training to run a marathon.
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve with this police department and those who worked here,” he said. “Again, the city caught lightning in a bottle with this group.
“I will pray daily for them and ask God to keep them and their families safe. I loved serving as a police officer and enjoyed being a chief the most.”
Thomas noted that Lt. Denise DeBiase, who was hired as the RHPD’s first female officer 27 years ago, will also retire this year.
In 2019, DeBiase was promoted to lieutenant and became Wetzel’s second in command. She said DeBiase stayed on an extra year to assist Thomas with her first year as mayor.
“I almost hated to see 2023 come, but I knew this was going to happen,” Thomas said of the retirements. “I am very thankful for their leadership and dedication to our city.”
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