SILVER CREEK - At a recent Silver Creek Village Board meeting it was announced the village police force would be short another officer very soon.
Sgt. Stephen Romanik submitted his letter of resignation along with his two week notice in order to accept a position with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office. Romanik's last day will be Jan. 23.
"I want to thank (Police Chief Timothy Roche) for the opportunity to work with you for so many years in the Silver Creek Police Depart-ment. I appreciate all the knowledge you have passed on to me and the many learning opportunities you have provided me. The decision to transfer to the Chautauqua County Sheriff's office was a very difficult one to make," Romanik's resignation letter read.
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Silver Creek Police Sgt. Stephen Romanik recently submitted his letter of resignation.
Romanik's resignation was approved, with his wife, Trustee Amy Romanik, abstaining. Board members thanked Romanik for his service to the village.
"I would like to recognize Sgt. Romanik and wish him much success in his continued career with County Sheriff's Office. Steve has been a multi-talented officer as an instructor and School Resource Officer, DARE officer, assistant disaster coordinator and a fingerprint expert on the county investigation team. He will be greatly missed," Mayor Kurt Lindstrom said.
Trustees Thomas Harmon and Nick Piccolo also wished Romanik luck.
Romanik is one of several officers to leave in the past six months, the most recent two to resign being Timothy Christian and Robert Lazarczyk, both of whom went to the Erie County Sheriff's Office.
The Silver Creek Police Department consists of five full-time officers. Prior to Romanik's resignation the department was looking to hire a full-time officer.
Roche said no one has been selected for the sergeant position in Romanik's place. He refused to comment on the resignation.
The next village board meeting will be held Jan. 22 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
