Parma Observer

11/23/2025

11/21/2025

Beautiful
Parma Proud!

11/20/2025

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗚𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲; 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗶 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳

Mayor Tim DeGeeter announced today that Deputy Chief Kevin Riley has been selected as Parma’s next Chief of Police, succeeding Chief James Blair upon his retirement in January. Mayor DeGeeter also announced that Captain Thomas Siedlecki has been chosen to serve as the city’s next Deputy Chief of Police.
“Deputy Chief Riley and Captain Siedlecki are exceptional leaders who embody professionalism, innovation, and community service,” Mayor DeGeeter said. “They bring stability, experience, and forward-thinking leadership at a time when law enforcement continues to evolve. Their combined experience ensures that Parma’s police force will continue to thrive.”
Regarding the process, Safety Director Bob Coury said, “Candidates were evaluated on leadership, decision-making, departmental experience, interpersonal skills, and education.”

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳-𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘆

Riley brings more than 35 years of law enforcement experience and has commanded all three major divisions of the Parma Police Department. He has led strategic planning efforts, overseen major operational initiatives, and managed critical incidents with professionalism and calm. Riley has extensive experience in policy development, community engagement, and interagency collaboration. He also holds advanced executive training credentials, including Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command, PELC, and a Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and a Master of Liberals Arts Degree in Government from Harvard Extension School.
Chief-Designate Kevin Riley said, “I want to thank Mayor DeGeeter for this tremendous honor. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Parma’s next Chief of Police and remain committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and a focus on community partnerships. I look forward to guiding our department in its next chapter.”

𝗗𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳-𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗲𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗶

Siedlecki is a 30-year law enforcement veteran with 19 years of command-level experience. He has led modernization of key technologies, overseen the Detective Bureau and multiple administrative functions, and coordinated department-wide training and community programs. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds advanced leadership credentials including CLEE, PSLA, and PELC, along with a master’s degree in criminal justice.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Chief Blair, who has served Parma for 34 years, will retire in January. A formal appointment and swearing-in ceremony for Chief-designate Riley and Deputy Chief-designate Siedlecki will take place after Chief Blair’s retirement.

Photo: Chief-Designate Kevin Riley

11/20/2025

General Motors announced this morning it will make a $250-million investment in the Parma Metal Center and add new jobs. Mayor Tim DeGeeter and City Council welcome the news, noting the significant investment supports the plant and local economy. The mayor credited the strong collaboration between UAW 1005 members and plant management for the center’s continued success through the last several decades.

“This is exciting and welcoming news for Parma. We are a GM town. I enjoy receiving this type of news from GM. This is one of the biggest investments I can recall while I have been mayor. The more GM invests in the plant, the longer it will stay operational, which is significant for Parma and our community growth,” DeGeeter said.

He also noted the city only purchases GM products, and he personally drives a GMC Acadia.

11/20/2025

Perfect holiday and birthday gifts!

11/19/2025

See you all shopping!

Shop Small is Saturday, Nov. 29. Parma City Council and the mayor encourage Parma residents to support local small businesses throughout the holiday season and shop big while shopping small.

11/18/2025

US Congressman Max Miller Votes To Release The Epstein Files.
Thank you.

from U.S. Congressman Max Miller’s Office –  WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) released the following statement after the passage of H.R.4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act.  “I believe in transparency and delivering the truth to the American people. That’s why ...