NEWTON FALLS — Village council has approved John Barco as the new full-time police chief effective April 21 to help with getting the police department reestablished in the community.

Council voted 5-0 at its meeting Wednesday naming Barco of Southington as the new chief.

Barco will be paid $72,500 and receive three weeks vacation, health benefits and a police cruiser.

Barco will replace longtime police chief Gene Fixler, who is retiring April 14.

“I look forward to re-establishing the police department and providing the residents with the protection they deserve. The sheriff’s department has done a nice job, but the residents want their own police department back,” Barco said.

He said he had a calling to be in law enforcement.

Barco said he wants to bring back former Newton Falls police employees and get them back on the roster as reserves as well as other individuals who have expressed interest in working in Newton Falls.

“It will not be a full-time department right away. We will look at providing 24-hour service again.” Barco said.

Barco worked for more than 26 years in Chester Township and retired from there as a sergeant. He also worked two years as a full-time officer in Newton Falls before the police department was disbanded in December 2022. He also worked part-time for Vienna.

“To me being in law enforcement is a calling. I look forward to serving the Newton Falls community,” Barco said.

Councilman Kevin Rufener, 4th Ward, said council performed a very extensive and competitive search and interview process for police chief.

“It was not an easy decision. There was a lot of discussion and interviews. I feel council is making the best choice for the betterment of the community going forward,” Rufener said.

Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert said there were many good candidates, but Barco stood out.

Councilwoman Partricia Benetis, 1st Ward, said some people have questioned her about why council is hiring a police chief before bringing back the police officers.

She said Barco will help bring the officers back.

Benetis said you don’t have a whole classroom of children before you hire a teacher.

“We need someone to be the leader first,” she said.

The village receives services from the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office and has been working on a new agreement for 2025.

The sheriff’s department has provided protection for the village since January 2023.

RITE AID BUILDING

In other business, Village Manager Mike Novotny said Circle K has expressed interest in opening a new location at the former Rite Aid, which closed in 2024.

He said Circle K officials have expressed interest in purchasing the property for a larger store.

“This will be a major investment by Circle K who plan to be here for a long time. They plan to put up an entire new facility,” Novotny said.

Mayor David Hanson said he is glad to know someone will be moving into the Rite Aid building since he sees many vacant drug stores in so many communities.

“We are very fortunate that we found someone interested in the parcel of land there. I am very pleased about that,” Hanson said.