Parma Has A New Safety Director

Outgoing Safety Director Greg Baeppler, left, welcomes his replacement, Michael C. O'Malley.

Mayor Tim DeGeeter has appointed Michael C. O'Malley as Parma’s new Safety Director. O'Malley replaces Greg Baeppler, who recently retired after serving more than 11 years in that position, which oversees various departments, including Police and Fire.

It’s a bit of a homecoming for O’Malley, who worked as Parma's Assistant Law Director from 1994-1999. That’s only a piece of his extensive background in municipal government. Before working as Cleveland's Assistant Director of Public Utilities, O'Malley served for six years as Cleveland's Ward 16 Councilman. He represented the Old Brooklyn and South Hills area bordering Parma.

"I'm thrilled to return to Parma as the Safety Director," said O'Malley, who in his previous jobs handled everything from labor negotiations and budget preparations and oversight to strategic planning and general day-to-day problem solving.  "I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working every day to make Parma an even better city."

Most recently, O'Malley comes to this position from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, where he served since 2012 as the Second Region Supervisor. In that job, he handled felony cases from, among other cities, Parma, which allowed him to work closely with the city's police department. Previous to that position, he was First Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, a role in which he supervised a staff of 320 employees.

"Mike brings a wealth of experience to Parma City Hall, to our administration, and to his new role," DeGeeter said. "He'll be a real asset with his work in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and his understanding of municipal issues as a Cleveland Councilman, among other roles."

In making the announcement, DeGeeter also lauded Baeppler's work as Safety Director.

"Greg served this city with distinction in a time of real transition in Parma," DeGeeter said.  "He played a large role in making our Police and Fire departments among the finest in this region. Whether as Safety Director, or as a former Cleveland police officer, or as a former Cleveland district commander, Greg committed his life's work to protecting the public. I truly wish him well in his future endeavors."

Jeannie Roberts

Communications Director for the City of Parma

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Volume 7, Issue 7, Posted 12:36 AM, 07.01.2015