Police Department History

According to an old Akron Beacon Journal article from 1925, Munroe Falls applied for and received a charter to incorporate as a village in 1921. The request for the charter was a reactionary measure to prevent annexation by Stow, which was also seeking official recognition from the state. Stow had planned to include some Munroe Falls territory in its articles of incorporation, although when all was said and done, Munroe Falls received a charter, while Stow did not.

Return to Charter

After struggling with the high costs of basic services for several years, townspeople wanted to return their charter, shifting responsibility for services back to Summit County. Villagers found themselves in a bit of a catch-22 situation. However, before they could undo their village status, they needed to elect officials to whom they could appeal to rescind the charter.

First Mayor

The ensuing election gave Munroe Falls its first mayor, V.A. Shakepeare. Considering that the purpose of the election was to undo the village charter, Mr. Shakespeare expected that he would also be the last mayor. In an odd quirk of fate, the request to rescind the charter was ultimately denied, and Munroe Falls remained a village.

Recurring Issues

Through the first half of the century, stormwater runoff, poor roads, and sanitation problems were recurring issues confronting village administrators. Additionally, after 1940, residents began voicing complaints about speeders and summer traffic at the swimming park.

Town Marshall

In the latter half of the 20th century, improved roads and water, and sewers promoted housing developments, and the village grew. Fire and Police services improved greatly. Until the early 1960s, town marshals enforced the law, north, and south of the Cuyahoga River, eventually giving way to the modern and efficient police department that protects and serves us today.