GALION— Galion’s new police chief has only been on the job a day, but he’s already focused on carrying on the “Best in Class” tradition for the Galion Police Department.

Marc Rodriguez, 50, officially took over the helm Sunday from longtime Chief Brian Saterfield, who retired.  He’s a 21-year veteran of the force, having served as a Lieutenant since 2010 and more recently with the department’s Special Investigative Unit.

“It’s just been a whirlwind.  Other than that, I’m trying to get my bearings and get acclimated,” said Rodriguez, whose official swearing-in ceremony is set for Tuesday night.  “It’s a pretty good feeling.  It’s a lot to take on at once, though.”

Rodriguez describes his leadership style as “others before self.”  He said serving by mentoring and coaching the 16 officers and other employees he supervises helps create a more cohesive organization and he plans to build on the foundation already in place.

“The immediate goals for the department are to maintain, and continue building, the positive relationships within the community for which Chief Saterfield laid the foundation,” he said.  “Best in Class is what the Galion Police Department will continue to strive towards.”

Rodriguez, who graduated with honors from North Central State College, said he knew that a law enforcement career was his calling at an early age.  He was a five-year-old at Safety Town in Mansfield who met a police officer who changed his life that week.

He graduated from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and started in 2000 as a patrol officer in Galion.  He was promoted to lieutenant in 2010 and has been actively involved with the METRICH Drug Task Force and the U.S. Marshals’ Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force.

Rodriguez, over the years, has also been the face of the Galion P.D.’s annual toy drive in conjunction with the Fraternal Order of Police No. 71.  In addition, in 2016 he was recognized at the Ohio Statehouse for his work as a participant in the Fugitive Task Force’s Richland County Division.

Rodriguez still has a few requirements ahead – register for a workshop for new police chiefs and take a class – delayed last year due to the COVID 19 pandemic – through the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Program, or LEED.

He also plans to fill vacancies to get the department back to full staff but at the same time establish a more diversified workforce.  The chief’s other goals include providing professional development for personnel and updating the department’s policies and procedures.

In his spare time, Rodriguez enjoys golfing, listening to local bands, and day trips to Lake Erie with family and friends.  In addition, he annually attends golf outing fund-raisers for Newhope Industries in Mansfield.  He and his wife reside in Richland County.