Ross Twp. hires police chief

ROSS TWP. — Longtime Butler County Sheriff’s deputy and Madison Twp. trustee Ben Kramer has been named Ross Twp police chief, according to Trustee Ellen Yordy.

Kramer was hired Thursday night during a regular trustees’ meeting. He was selected from 36 applicants and a pool of six finalists who were interviewed last month.

Kramer, 48, who takes over his new post May 17, has worked for the sheriff’s office for 16 years and was promoted to sergeant in September 2007. Kramer also served as Madison Twp. trustee from 2002-05 and was a Carlisle police officer from 1989-93.

“It was an excellent opportunity. The kind of opportunity that doesn’t come up too often,” Kramer said when asked why he sought the top cop position.

Kramer said he knew Worley and said he “has some big shoes to fill.”

He said in his years on patrol as a deputy, he as learned Ross Twp. is a first class operation from the police department to the trustees to the police department.

“We felt he had the whole package. His background and years of experience,” Yordy said. “He is very easy to talk to. His demeanor fits the character of Ross.”

She noted Kramer’s experience patroling Madison Twp. and as an instructor will be valuable in teaching Ross Twp. officers.

“He had everything we were looking for,” Yordy said.

Kramer’s’ salary will be $48,500, with a review after the 90-day probationary period.

Among the finalist was Officer Gary Vaughn to was appointed to runthe department on an interim basis.

“Gary stepped up and did a tremendous job,” Yordy said. “He was a good interim chief.”

Yordy said Vaughn plans to stay with the department, which includes a full-time chief and about 10 part time officers.

The trustees also hired a part time administrator at Thursday’s meeting, according to Yordy. He is Robert Bass of Delhi Twp. in Hamilton County where he served as director of public works. The township currently does not have an administrator.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.

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