Police Department

Overview

The South Russell Police Department, led by Chief Michael Rizzo, is comprised of 10 full-time and 5 part-time officers. The total years of service for SRPD officers is 171 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.

South Russell Village Police Department

Non Emergency Office Line: 440-338-7611 (Direct to PD)

Chagrin Valley Dispatch Center: 440-247-7321

Administrative Staff

Chief Michael Rizzo

Michael joined the South Russell Police Department in 1997 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2011. In January 2013, he was appointed Chief of Police. He received the South Russell Village “Employee of the Year” award in 2008 and 2013. Mike is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC) and serves on the Chagrin Valley Dispatch Communication Committee. Mike implemented the South Russell “Shop with a Cop” program and the “Cops and Kids Fishing” event.

Contact Chief Rizzo

440-338-6700 ext. 225

Lieutenant Todd Pocek

Todd Pocek was appointed to the position of Lieutenant in November of 2020. He worked for the department in a part-time capacity for a number of years before joining us in a full-time capacity in 2017. He previously held the position of Sergeant. Todd is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and is a certified training instructor and manages the department’s training program. He is a member of the Valley Enforcement Group’s UAV team which works with the other VEG units to provide aerial support during critical incidents or serious motor vehicle crashes.

Contact Lieutenant Pocek

440-338-6700 ext. 227

Sergeant Edward Svoboda

Ed Svoboda joined the department in a part-time capacity in 1999 before joining us in a full-time capacity in 2001. Ed is a Certified Ohio Child Safety Seat Technician, a certified firearms & Taser instructor, and is one of the department’s Field Training Officers. Prior to joining the South Russell Police Department, Ed worked at the Bentleyville Police Department and the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office as an Auxiliary Officer. Ed is a member of the Valley Enforcement Group’s Missing Person’s Unit.

Contact Sergeant Svoboda

440-338-6700 ext. 242

Sergeant Nicholas DiVita

Nick DiVita joined the department in a part-time capacity in 2013 before joining us full-time in 2020. Nick is a Certified Taser Instructor and is one of the department’s Field Training Officers. Prior to joining the South Russell Police Department, Nick worked at the Middlefield Police Department, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and the Hunting Valley Police Departmert. Nick is a member of the Valley Enforcement Group’s UAV team which works with the other VEG units to provide aerial support during critical incidents or serious motor vehicle crashes.

Contact Sergeant Divita

440-338-6700 ext. 228

Detective Michael Kleinknecht

Michael Kleinknecht was appointed to Detective in 2017. In June of 2021, Mike was appointed as the department’s first full-time detective. His duties include investigations, public record management, evidence custodian, court liaison, and digital file manager. He is certified in the Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing and Advanced Interrogation, Core Criminal Investigation, and Sexual Assault Investigation. Mike is also one of the department’s firearms instructors, and a Taser Instructor. He also serves on the Valley Enforcement Group’s Child Abduction Response Team.

Contact Detective Kleinknecht

440-338-6700 ext. 229

Department Patrol Officers

Officer John Zippay

Officer Kevin Spackman

Officer Andrew McKillen

Officer Kailey Gavanditti

Officer Stephen Brenner

Officer Malik Meziane

Officer James Levine

Officer Steven Brown

Officer Dennis Harmon

Officer Skyler Rossbach

Community Programs & Resources

Special Services

See additional information here

History of South Russell Police Chiefs

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