“I’ve known since spring that this is what I wanted to after talking with friends and family,” he said. “I have some plans for the future and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Muterspaw, 50, told this news organization that he is planning to enter the private sector and that it will not be law enforcement related or be a police chief position somewhere else. Nor is he interested in entering the political arena, he said.
He said that he informed his officers and city administration earlier on Monday. Muterspaw said he’s also looking forward to taking some time off.
“It’s time to do other things while I’m still young,” he said. “It’s not about the money. It’s about having peace of mind and a normal life.”
He said his officers understand and said they are “close-knit group…. I’m going to miss them, they’re my brothers and sisters. I want to finish out these last few months strong.”
City officials said there will be internal testing for police chief before a successor is announced later this year.
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Muterspaw was promoted to chief in 2014 after serving in several capacities throughout his career in Middletown, including patrol officer, detective, special operations sergeant, and deputy police chief.
“I commend Chief Muterspaw on his distinguished career with the city,” said City Manager Doug Adkins. “He has made tremendous strides in the transparency and community involvement that the police department is now known for. We thank him for his service in helping to make Middletown a great place to live, work and play.”
He said that nothing can top his experience with Middletown police and called the city “phenomenal.” Muterspaw said that he’s looking forward to watching all the new officers that have been hired over the past few years do well in the future, adding that the Division of Police has prepared people to take over.
Muterspaw has been the recipient of numerous awards over his career, including the Middletown NAACP Leadership Award, Martin Luther King Drum Leadership Award, and Kingswell Impact Middletown History Maker Award as well as being recognized by the Ohio Senate. He has served on several boards including the Butler County Chiefs of Police Association and the Butler County Safety Council Executive Board.
As for regrets serving as Middletown’s top cop, Muterspaw said it would be the unsolved homicides.
“Middletown is a hard place to be a police chief, but its also most rewarding,” Muterspaw said. “The community truly supports the police department.”
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