Crime & Safety

Watch: New Mentor Police Chief Kevin Knight Is Sworn In

Knight quotes from Boy Scout pledge in his initial address

Kevin Knight -- the new chief of the Mentor Police Department -- is the assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 75 in the city.

Several of his scouts watched as Mentor Municipal Court Judge John Trebets swore him into his new position.

Knight even quoted from the Boy Scout's pledge when he addressed the crowd who filled the Mentor City Council chambers Friday afternoon.

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"On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty," he said.

In addition to the scouts, Knight was also joined by several officers from his department -- including outgoing Chief Daniel Llewellyn -- his wife Susan and two of his three children. (The third was in New York and unable to attend the ceremony.)

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Knight thanked his fellow officers, Llewellyn, City Manager Kenneth Filipiak and the residents of Mentor for the opportunity to lead the department.

However, he singled out his wife for special praise, saying that the wives of policemen keep the family strong while the officers work irregular and often long hours.

Filipiak offered his advice to Knight at the swearing-in ceremony.

"Always do your best," he said. "Always keep the community's interests first. Tell it like it is -- good or bad. Take care of your officers and your staff. Act humbly but with strength and conviction. Be fair. Ask God for strength. Strive consistently to do what is right. Maintain a clear moral compass.

"In other words, keep doing what you've been doing over the years and what brought you to this position."

Knight lives in Mentor and joined the Mentor Police Department in 1982. He has been a captain since 2008.

He received his bachelor's degree in the administration of justice from Rockhurst College. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2005.

Knight has served as operational commander, support services commander, administrative commander and detective bureau commander for the Mentor Police Department, as well as the acting police chief when necessary.

Knight was named a Blue Coat of the Year by the Knights of Columbus Council 4801 in 2006.


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