Sgt. Kelly Stillman appointed Rocky River chief of police
By Danielle Toth
Rocky River
Published Sept. 1, 2010

While any incoming chief would have big shoes to fill, retiring Chief Donald Wagner is a well-respected 45-year veteran of the Rocky River Police Department, if anyone can do it, Sgt. Kelly Stillman can.

Sgt. Kelly Stillman

Stillman, who started his career as an officer for Cleveland Heights and has been with the Rocky River Police Department since 1984, is enthusiastic about the position, which has been a lifelong dream and goal of his, he said.

“I’m still on Cloud 9. I’m extremely elated,” Stillman said of his feelings regarding the appointment. Rocky River Mayor Pam Bobst gave him the good news on Aug. 24. “To have something like that come true right before your eyes … the only way I can describe it is magical.”

Stillman was born and raised in Rocky River, attending Rocky River High School.

“I’m a product of my environment,” Stillman said. “I’ve had lifelong ambitions of moving up the ladder, and I’ve had a strong desire to become police chief. I’ve been gearing myself up for an opportunity like this. When it came up, I took advantage of it. And the rest is history.”

Bobst said the selection process was difficult due to the high-quality candidates. In addition to Stillman, Sgt. Carl Gulas was also interviewed for the position. Sgt. Bill Crates was originally in the running for the position but later removed himself from the process. Bobst reviewed the candidates’ experience, motivation, management styles and leadership qualities, she said.

“I have great respect and admiration for both candidates,” Bobst said of Stillman and Gulas. “It was a very difficult decision. We are so fortunate to have highly qualified candidates who want to serve our community. They both did a tremendous job throughout the interview process.”

One of the things that stood out about Stillman, Bobst said, was his law enforcement aptitude.

“He has a broad understanding of the law and is focused on the safety of the community,” she said. “He understands the importance of community and public interaction. He is also a practical idea person but understands in this economic environment that we don’t have unlimited dollars.”

Stillman said one of his top priorities will be continuing the excellent relationship between the police department and the community.

“Our department is regarded extremely highly in the community,” he said. “I want to step that up a notch even more. I have great ideas on how to present the department and make it even more accessible to the citizens. I think it’s something the community will really be excited about. I want to make the department more of a family-type unit with the community.”

Stillman will assume the chief’s position on Jan. 3, 2011, when Wagner retires. Until then, he is shadowing Wagner to learn as much as he can about the position.

“Chief Wagner and I have had numerous conversations since the (chief’s) test was announced back in March,” Stillman said. “Once the appointment was made, I’ve shadowed him as much as I can while still having to work my shift. I’ve had to work on my time management between spending time back there and up here. I’m going to spend as much time with him as possible before he leaves. It will be a big change.”

One reason for the appointment months before Wagner’s retirement, Bobst said, is so the incoming chief can have a chance to familiarize himself with the position. The city is currently working on a precursor to its budget process, and Bobst is meeting with department heads to discuss the current budget before the city moves on to the 2011 budget. Having Stillman involved in these discussions will better prepare him for working with the 2011 budget, she said.

“This really sets the stage for the 2011 budget,” she said. “It is so valuable for the incoming chief to be a part of this process.”

Also effective on Jan. 3, Sgt. Gulas will be promoted to lieutenant and will replace Lt. Terry Hudec, who is retiring with 37 years of service, as executive staff assistant. The executive staff assistant heads the detective bureau.

“Sgt. Gulas has incredible skills and experience,” Bobst said. “His expertise as executive will be a great asset to the chief.”

On the Web:

• Rocky River Police Department

Past West Life article:

• Rocky River police chief honored (April 21, 2010)