The South Russell Police Department, led by Chief Michael Rizzo, is comprised of 11 full-time and 7 part-time officers. The total years of service for SRPD officers is 260 years with an average of 13 years of service. Our department is comprised of a group of dedicated officers who are committed to maintaining a safe environment by providing high visibility and exceptional service. Our goal is to continually improve safety and quality of life through a broad base of traditional and innovative services, and by offering continuous involvement within and around our community. We continue to do our very best to provide the residents of South Russell Village with the best protection and service possible.
Non Emergency Office Line: 440-338-7611 (Direct to PD)
Geauga County Sheriff Dispatch: 440-286-1234
Michael Rizzo began his law enforcement career as a dispatcher for the City of Bedford while he was attending the police academy. After graduating, he was hired as a part-time police officer by the Village of South Russell in 1997 and was made full-time in 1998. During his time with the department, Chief Rizzo received several accolades, including being named “Employee of the Year” in both 2008 and 2013. He graduated from the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC) and has served as Chief overseeing the Valley Enforcement Group – Unmanned Aviation Unit (VEG-UAS) and the Valley Enforcement Group – Missing Person Unit (VEG-MPU) for several years. Chief Rizzo’s most notable accomplishments are the community events that have defined the South Russell Police Department.
440-338-6700 ext. 225
Mr. Nick DiVita began his law enforcement career in 2005 as an auxiliary officer with the City of Mayfield Heights and subsequently earned his police officer commission in 2007 with the Middlefield Police Department. In 2013, he joined the South Russell Police Department as a part-time officer and transitioned to a full-time position in 2020. Since his full-time appointment, while with the department Mr. DiVita became certified as a field training officer and a firearms instructor. In 2023, he received a promotion to the rank of Sergeant, and was promoted to Lieutenant in January of 2026. Furthermore, he is an active member of the Valley Enforcement Group – Unmanned Aviation Unit (VEG-UAS), where he was appointed as Commander in September 2024.
440-338-6700 ext. 227
Stephen Brenner attended the police academy in 1992 and thereafter commenced his law enforcement career full-time with the City of Wickliffe Police Department. Mr. Brenner served an impressive 31 years with that department before retiring in 2023. After retiring, Mr. Brenner briefly held a position as a security officer with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland before being appointed as a part-time officer with the South Russell Police Department in June 2023. Shortly thereafter, he transitioned to a full-time role and has since made a substantial impact through his extensive experience and service. Stephen was promoted to Sergeant in December of 2025. In recognition of his exemplary contributions to the department, Officer Stephen Brenner was awarded the “Officer of the Year” award in 2024.
440-338-6700 ext. 229
Ed Svoboda has been an integral part of the department since 1999, starting as a part-time officer before transitioning to full-time in 2001. Promoted to sergeant in 2023, he oversees the field training program for new officers and manages the department’s weapons qualifications, emphasizing safety and proficiency. In addition to these responsibilities, Ed is an Ohio Certified Child Safety Seat Technician, providing essential education to parents and caregivers on child safety. His dedication to service culminates in his role as the team leader for the Valley Enforcement Group’s Missing Persons Unit (VEG-MPU), where he coordinates efforts to locate individuals who are missing. Ed’s experience and leadership demonstrates his commitment to both the department and the community he serves.
440-338-6700 ext. 242
Michael Kleinknecht commenced his law enforcement career upon graduating from the police academy in 2008. He initially served as a part-time officer with the RTA Police Department and the Middlefield Police Department before accepting a full-time position with the Middlefield Police Department. In 2012, Mr. Kleinknecht joined the South Russell Police Department as a part-time officer, transitioning to a full-time role in 2013. Since that time, he has held the position of weapons instructor and was appointed as a detective in 2017. In 2023, Mr. Kleinknecht assumed the newly established role of School Safety Officer (SSO), where he is responsible for maintaining safety and security within the elementary school. Additionally, he has attained certification as a school resource officer.
Christy Troyer began her career at the Portage County Juvenile Court, where she served for a duration of 30 years. Following her retirement from the public sector, she transitioned to the private sector, assuming the role of legal assistant before being appointed as a part-time employee by the Village of South Russell in 2024. In her current capacity, Christy performs the duties of an administrative assistant for the Police Department, Village Hall, and Building Department. Her extensive experience in both the legal and administrative domains has proven to be invaluable, and she has made a notable impact in her new roles.
440-338-6700 ext. 232
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Marshal W.A. Smith
January 16, 1928 – October 8, 1928
Marshal Raymond Silsby
January 6, 1930 – December 31, 1931
Marshal E.V. Kilby
January 2, 1932 – March 28, 1933
Marshal Earl Silsby
(Appointed as 1st Chief of Police Approximately 1961)
March 28, 1933 – October 25, 1966
Chief John Lengel
January 10, 1967 – April 1969
Chief Gust Stern
April 1969 – May 1970
Chief Donald Samko
May 8, 1970 – July 31, 1972
Chief Robert Hamilton
September 1, 1972 – December 31, 1990
Chief Kurt Laderer
January 1, 1991 – September 30, 1999
Chief James Wetzel
October 1, 1999 – January 24, 2013
Chief Michael Rizzo
January 28, 2013 – Present
