FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
MONICA BANKS HINES - 440-331-5768 -or- 216-221-7644
SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338 -or- 216-780-1638
BOB ROTATORI - 216-635-3263 -or-
216-339-1699
Chief Greg Loftus has led Cleveland Metroparks
Ranger Department for the past nine years, but began his work as a
seasonal worker with the Park District more than 29 years ago. It
wasn't long before he moved to bike patrol at the Zoo and became
hooked on law enforcement. He attended Cleveland Metroparks Ranger
Academy and was sworn in to begin his very accomplished career with
Cleveland Metroparks Ranger Department.
Reflecting on his career, Chief Loftus says, �It truly has been
an honor serving Cleveland Metroparks and the community. I will
always cherish the memories and experiences here with the Park
District and will dearly miss working alongside such wonderfully
dedicated and highly-skilled individuals.�
Chief Loftus has enjoyed an exemplary career with Cleveland
Metroparks. He was first commissioned as a ranger in Field
Operations in 1985 and was promoted to sergeant several years
later. He became a lieutenant in Special Operations in 1999
where he managed the detective bureau, traffic enforcement unit,
training division and dive team. He moved quickly up the
ranks to captain and was named chief less than three years
later.
Loftus has received dozens of awards, honors and commendations
for individual achievement, as well as for his department's efforts
during his tenure, including: numerous recognitions from the Ohio
Attorney General, Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, Park Law
Enforcement Association, the Greater Cleveland Safe Kids/Safe
Communities Coalition, the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor
Council, Inc. and AAA. The department also won the National Best
Dressed Law Enforcement competition. In addition, Chief Loftus has
been active in the law enforcement community by serving on numerous
boards and commissions and has written several articles and reports
published in law enforcement periodicals.
Chief Loftus is also responsible for many innovative
improvements and additions to the Ranger Department. He
spearheaded technology applications that increased efficiency and
safety for rangers, oversaw significant upgrades in the
department's communications systems and was responsible for
countless facility and equipment upgrades. But perhaps his greatest
achievement of all is helping establish the Park District's
reputation as a safe place for 16 million visitors annually.
As Chief of Rangers, Loftus oversaw the law enforcement agency
responsible for providing a safe, accessible and secure
environment. He was always the first to remind everyone that the
Rangers are fully certified law enforcement officers in the state
of Ohio. �Safety is our jeweled attribute,� says Executive
Director, Brian Zimmerman. �Cleveland Metroparks users have
consistently rated safety as one of the biggest reasons they enjoy
using the Park District. Protecting millions of people throughout
our 22,000 acres, including 17 reservations and the Zoo, is no
small task and I attribute much of that success to Chief
Loftus.�
Chief Loftus is married and lives in Fairview Park with his
wife, Maureen, and three children: Ryan, Maureen and
Kathleen. His retirement will be effective December 31,
2012.
�We are indeed grateful for the notable contributions Greg has
made to this magnificent Park District,� says Zimmerman, �and we
wish him a happy retirement.�
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Cleveland Metroparks - part of your life,
naturally!
