Former Perry police chief, remembered as 'steady hand,' dies at 86
Former Perry Township Police Chief Addison C. Woods is being remembered as a gentleman who had a fine reputation among his peers.
He died Jan. 15 at Wyant Woods Healthcare Center in Akron. He was 86.
Woods spent 23 years with the Perry Police Department, eight of which he served as the chief. In addition, he worked for eight years as a deputy sheriff with the Stark County Sheriff's Office.
Perry Fiscal Officer Craig Chessler, a former township trustee, recalled talking with Woods while campaigning during his first run for trustee in 1989.
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At the time, Woods was not affiliated with the Perry police force, said Chessler, who added that the former chief lived on a neighboring street.
"He was a polite man who enjoyed a good reputation among peers. He always had good advice to give," Chessler said.
According to his obituary, Woods lived most of his life in Perry Township and around Massillon. He was a U.S. Marine who served during the Korean War.
Woods started Perry career as reserve officer
Woods began with the Perry Police Department in 1975 as a reserve officer, said current Police Chief Mike Pomesky. He became a full-time officer in 1977, serving as chief from that year until 1986.
Woods returned to a road patrol post later in 1986. He retired from the force in 1997, Pomesky said.
Chessler noted that Woods was the police chief during a turbulent time, when Perry Township was engulfed in a gambling scandal among myriad officials. Woods was not involved in the wrongdoing, but he served as a "steady hand" through the ordeal.
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During the mid-to-late 1980s, the township was considering dismantling its Police Department. Chessler said that was one issue prompting him to seek office and later led to discussions with Woods.
Former Trustee Lee Laubacher, 83, was a member of the Perry Fire Department during part of Woods' time as police chief.
"He was a good chief and very responsible," Laubacher said.
Calling hours, funeral
Calling hours for Woods have been scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Reed Funeral Home Canton Chapel, 705 Raff Road SW.
A funeral service is slated for 10 a.m. Friday, as Woods will be buried at Sunset Hills Memory Gardens, 5001 Everhard Road NW, Canton.
Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com.
On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Calling hours set Thursday for former Perry Police Chief Addison Woods
