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MONDAY, APRIL 1, J963, LIMA, OHIOTownship Officer Paid Little For 21-Hour DutyConstable’s Job Demands Serious DedicationBj FRED M. PARKER Lima News Staff WriterA little known phase or law enforcement in Allen County and in Ohio is that accomplished by township constables.In this area constables are men who devote their time and energies on a part - time basis which at times can almost become full-time.One of these dedicated men is Perry Township Constable Cecil Davis of 861 Greelv Chapel Road who has provided protection to township residents over six years.The quiet - mannered law enforcement official was first elected to his post during 19K and officially assumed duties in 1957.AppointeesSince then Ohio laws have been modified, making the post appointive. Constables are appointed by the township trustees.“I know more about the law now than 1 did when I slatted.” the 59-ycar-old officer reported.He readily admits he knew very Jittle aboul the law when he first started his duties asa constable, but since then he has received a liberal education in answering all types of calls from township residents.Constables are on 24 - hour call. Davis said, and often the calls are received at J or •t in the morning.This can present problems when thg constable must go to work on his regular job at 7 or b a.m. Davjs has been employed at Superior Coach for 25 years.Low PayThe pay on the part - time law enforcement job is small,Davis reported, and the constable must furnish his own equipment and use his own car. The township pays a fixed amount for operation of the car. he reported.He said constables will answer any call from township residents for assistance and will handle it to the best of our ability.”“When we can’t handle it. we call for assistance.” Davis said.Major crimes or accidents are referred to either the sheriff's office or the highway patrol.Davis and his partner, Alvie Bowman, have two-way radios in their cars and are constantly in contact . with each other and the sheriff’s office.Mutual AidDavis said many times constables from one township aid constables in neighboring townships.We don't patrol as much as is needed, some people thin k,” Davis said, but many times we are out when it is not known.” He explained that at times they don’t want it known they are in anarea when checking complaints or other actions.He reported he has had many amusing experiences settling argumenls, but still doesn’t like to take calls on family disturbances. ”!n a family argument you are always wrong,” Davis reports.Asked what his pet peeve was, Davis quickly replied spectators crowding to a fire.”He said when a fire occurs in the township, especially in the area south of 10th street, everyone tries to drive intothe area of the fire and blocks streets.Move HamperedOften, Davis said, this hampers movement of fire trucks and other emergency equipmentThe 'onstable said several times he has had to push cars off the street to allow fire trucks to reach the fire.He said if motorists must go to the area of the fire they should park their cars away from the actual fire location and should not park on the roadway.The authority of a constable is limited, he explained, especially in the area of traffic enforcement.They have full authority on township and county roads in their townships, but on state highways they only have the right to make arrests for offenses of driving while intoxicated and passing school buses.However, complaints on private property can be handled by the constables, he explained.Seat BeltsRegarding traffic controland accident investigation, Davis said he is a firm believer in the use of seat belts. He said he has seen many accidents where seat belts saved lives and has seen others where persons killed probably would have lived had they been using safety belts.Davis summed up his duties as an officer by stating a constable tries to help make the township where he is employed a better one in which to live.
Newspaper Details
The Lima News
Lima, Ohio, US
Mon, Apr 01, 1963
Page 4
Full Page
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USA 18 May 2024
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