BEDFORD, OH — In this year’s State of the City address, Mayor Stanley Koci expressed gratitude to numerous individuals and organizations that contributed to the city’s progress and recovery efforts. Special thanks were given to local businesses, city officials, and emergency responders who played pivotal roles following the recent August tornado. Mayor Koci also acknowledged the community’s resilience and support during the crisis.
Mayor Koci praised city employees for their hard work in maintaining city operations and managing transitions. Significant achievements in 2024 included the successful opening of new businesses, such as DF Collections, and collaboration with the school district on upcoming construction projects.
As presented by City Manager Mike Mallis, crime statistics show promising trends, with notable decreases in burglaries, robberies, and motor vehicle accidents over the past decade. However, there has been a rise in drug-related crimes, prompting increased efforts by law enforcement. The introduction of a drone program and new security technologies aim to further enhance public safety. Looking towards the end of 2024, Both Fire Chief Nagy and Asst. Fire Chief Dopslaf will be retiring after January 1st, 2025 and Police Chief Stemple will be retiring before the end of this year in about 2 months. Lieutenant Stask will be sworn in as the new Police Chief in October.
The city’s infrastructure improvements are ongoing, with efforts to address outdated utilities and enhance parks. The successful return of the municipal pool and expanded programming for children are among the year’s highlights. Financial stability is also strong, with increased construction funding and partnerships helping to address blighted properties and support local growth.
Overall, 2024 has been marked by progress and collaboration, with a focus on community resilience, infrastructure development, and public safety. The city’s leadership remains committed to continued improvement and addressing future challenges.
