Elyria Police Chief William Pelko has decided to hang up his hat at the end of January after three decades of service, including three years at the department's helm. Pelko's departure was confirmed in a letter stating, "After much consideration, I have decided that after 30 years of dedicated service, it is time to step away and enjoy the next chapter of my life," as Chroniclet.com reported.
His tenure as chief, which began in December 2021, oversaw significant reforms, including adopting body-worn and cruiser cameras by February 2022. However, not all aspects of his term garnered positive attention. Just after his third anniversary as chief, Pelko faced a suspension and public scrutiny over his handling of an unlawful entry and arrest of a local man, Raul Ortiz, and an aggressive raid involving a flash bang that adversely affected a toddler. As reported by WKYC.com, Pelko was criticized for not promptly addressing whether officers followed department policies during the May 2023 incident.
In a statement obtained by Cleveland19, Pelko reflected positively on his career, emphasizing growth and progress in the police force and community relations while expressing pride in their accomplishments. Despite the controversy, Pelko was committed "to ensuring a smooth transition during the remainder of my time here," as he will remain available for guidance and advice for his successor after his official retirement on January 31.
Apart from the brouhaha over the incidents under scrutiny, Pelko was also known for his endeavors in restructuring the department's staffing and pay as well as reestablishing specialized units focused on traffic and neighborhood impact, which are credited with a reduction in crashes and the removal of illegal guns from the streets, according to an interview Mayor Kevin Brubaker gave to Chroniclet.com. An interim police chief will take over Pelko’s duties at the end of the month. At the same time, the Elyria Civil Service Commission has approved offering a police chief's exam to find a permanent replacement.
Looking to the legal aftermath of the conduct Pelko was criticized for, Ortiz and his attorney are currently mediating with the city’s legal staff after filing a federal lawsuit against the City of Elyria. This cloud over Pelko's exit pours over what the retiring chief calls "an extraordinary journey," as noted by WKYC, leaving a legacy mixed with marked improvements in policing technology and tactics and bruised by episodes requiring deeper reflection on law enforcement protocols within the Elyrian community.
