December 27, 2024
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Mandujano sworn in as Utica police chief

Board salutes outgoing chief Damron

By Tom Collins
New Utica Police Chief James Mandujano (left) shakes hands with Mayor David Stewart after taking the oath of office on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Mandujano replaces Rod Damron, who is retiring from the Utica Police Department.

New Utica Police Chief James Mandujano (left) shakes hands with Mayor David Stewart after taking the oath of office on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Mandujano replaces Rod Damron, who is retiring from the Utica Police Department. (Tom Collins)

James Mandujano is Utica’s new chief of police.

On Thursday, the Utica Village Board thanked and congratulated retiring Chief Rod Damron and then swore in Mandujano as Utica’s top law enforcement officer.

Mayor David Stewart recalled Damron was his first appointment and, although he wished Damron well in retirement, said he would miss Damron after an “outstanding” job.

“I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done the past six years,” Stewart said.

“I really appreciate the years I’ve been here and the opportunity to be your police chief,” Damron told the board. “It’s been a really neat experience for me – it really has.

“And I’m leaving you in good hands here.”

Utica Mayor David Stewart (right) shakes hands with retiring Utica Police Chief Rod Damron, whom he presented with a commemorative plaque on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Utica Mayor David Stewart (right) shakes hands with retiring Utica Police Chief Rod Damron, whom he presented with a commemorative plaque on Thursday, May 11, 2023. (Tom Collins)

Mandujano has 26 years in law enforcement, most of which came with the Oglesby Police Department. He left Oglesby as a sergeant and spent the past several years with the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team.

Finally, three trustees were administered the oath of office. Trustees John Schweickert and Nate Holland were reelected, and Kylie Mattioda, an appointee following the death of Ron Pawlak, won her first term of office. The trustees were unopposed at the April 4 election.

I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done the past six years.

—  Utica Mayor David Stewart

In other matters, the board:

  • proclaimed the week of May 20 to 27 as Safe Boating Week.
  • committed $290,000 in motor fuel taxes for the 2023 road project.
  • scheduled a special board meeting (and canceled the committee) at 7 p.m. May 25.