'Norwalk is in great hands' with Conney as chief

New Norwalk Police Chief Mike Conney looked out at the dozens of local dignitaries, members of law enforcement and residents and said he sees many people who have had a profound impact on his life."I am thankful for all of you," he said.Mayor Rob Duncan administered Conney's oath of office early Friday afternoon in Norwalk Municipal Court, where it was standing room only. On Tuesday, the mayor announced Conney was the new chief, following the recommendation of the police chief selection committee.Since the Feb. 16 retirement of Chief Dave Light, Conney had served as the interim chief. Conney said Light has been "a great mentor to me.""I wouldn't be here without him," Conney also told the crowd Friday.Light, after the swearing-in ceremony, praised Conney."I think he is a man of integrity," Light said. "You couldn't ask for a better family man. He has a deep faith and a strong moral compass. That guides him in everything he does."Conney, a lifelong Norwalk resident, and his wife Cindy celebrated their 32nd anniversary in May. "High school sweethearts" since they started dating at St. Paul, the couple have two sons, Storm and Grayson, and one grandson."I'm excited. I'm very proud," Cindy said Friday. "I've watched his sacrifices and I couldn't be happier for him."He would do anything for anybody," she added. "I don't think anybody works harder than Mike Conney."Conney's lengthy career in law enforcement started in 1989 when he was a Norwalk auxiliary officer. He has been the commander of the special response team, in charge of the firearms program and supervisor of the dispatch center.He was appointed as the executive officer in 2012. Conney graduated from the FBI National Academy in June 2017.Jim Bond graduated from the Sandusky Police Academy with Conney in 1989. Bond now is the commander of the police academy at EHOVE Career Center."He is level-headed. He thinks before he acts and he reacts," said Bond, who retired Sept. 4 as a captain with the Monroeville Police Department, following 28 years of service to the village."He has a great love for the community," added Bond, noting his friend always looks for the best way to handle any situation. "He just does a phenomenal job. He leads by example; he sets a great example for all his men. Mike will do a great job."Huron County Sheriff Todd Corbin also is confident that Conney will be an excellent police chief. Corbin said he is impressed with Conney's discipline, the dedication to his job, his high standards and willingness to sacrifice."He brings a lot to the table," the sheriff added. "Mike has always been a consummate professional. … He is someone I admire."The city of Norwalk is in great hands. He is going to do a great job."New Norwalk Police Chief Mike Conney (third from right) stands with members of his family after he took his oath of office Friday afternoon. From left are: Nolan (nephew), Zane (nephew), Michelle (sister-in-law), Dan (brother), Mike, his wife Cindy and their son Grayson. The Conneys have another son, Storm. New Norwalk Police Chief Mike Conney smiles as his wife Cindy attaches his badge to his uniform Friday. New Norwalk Police Chief Mike Conney gestures as he addresses the dozens of people who attended his swearing-in ceremony Friday in Norwalk Municipal Court.Huron County Sheriff Todd Corbin (from left), new Norwalk Police Chief Mike Conney and retired Chief Dave Light are all smiles Friday afternoon after Conney took his oath of office.