Chief of Police &Q A Get to Know Chief Richard S. Fambro Interview of Richard S. Fambro, BSBA, MSM by Grove City Business amd Community Relations Officer Donald Walters
Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage announced in July the appointment of Richard S. Fambro as Chief of the Grove City Division of Police, effective Sept. 12. Fambro brings significant experience to the Division, following 32 years of service with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Chief Fambro recently took time to participate in a Q&A, giving Grove City residents an opportunity to know a bit more about the man behind the title. Throughout the Q&A, he shares his eagerness to engage with the community and integrate his experience with the women and men of the Division and community.
Don Walters: You began your career in law enforcement as a cadet dispatcher for the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 1989 and rose through the ranks, ultimately reaching the highest possible position as commander of Patrol in 2019. As colonel and superintendent, you led approximately 1,600 officers and 700 professional staff employees in nine districts throughout all of Ohio. Grove City’s Division of Police is considerably smaller, with just under 100 total employees. How will you adjust to the smaller size agency?
Chief Fambro: I am a people person, and as such, establishing and building meaningful relationships is important to me. The size of the Grove City Division of Police will allow me more opportunity to cultivate relationships with personnel.
DW: Do you have any specific goals for the Division?
CF: While it is early to state specific goals, I do think it’s critically important for me to interact with and get to know personnel, while watching and listening internally and externally. I am very curious to understand from personnel what specifically they would like to see the Division achieve as well as what is currently working and what isn’t meeting their and the community’s needs.
DW: Why did you decide to pursue the role of Grove City Police Chief?
CF: I admire the growth of Grove City as a community and its Division of Police, which is intriguing to me. When people ask me that question, I respond with, “Why not Grove City? It’s a great place to live, work, and do business in.” Additionally, at a time when law enforcement professionals are walking away from the profession I love, I want to walk toward leadership opportunities.
I am appreciative Mayor Stage, City Administrator Boso, Deputy City Administrator Vedra and Safety Director Teaford have the confidence in me to lead our Division of Police.
DW: The Grove City Division of Police enjoys a very supportive and transparent relationship with the community. How do you plan to build on that connection?
