Roland E. Fleming

Roland "Ron" E. Fleming, 79 of Vermilion, died Sunday, April 13, 2008 in Englewood, FL. He was born May 28, 1928 in Birmingham. He joined the Vermilion Police Department as a patrolman in 1955. He served as Chief of Police from 1967-1989. He was instrumental in starting the Harbor Patrol and donated the use of his own boat until the city bought one. He started Safety Town and obtained a grant to establish the juvenile officer position. He was past president of the Lorain County Police Chiefs Association and an officer in both the Ohio Chiefs Association and the National Chiefs Association. He sat on the board of control that oversaw both the Lorain County MEG (anti drug) Narcotics Unit and the five county North Star Unit He was instrumental in starting the Vermilion ambulance service and all officers were trained as EMTAs and some as paramedics. Under his direction the department grew to 25 full time persons and approximately 40 part time officers. The Vermilion ambulance garage was dedicated to him. He was a fair and honorable man who always encouraged his officers to further their education. He was a member of Vermilion Rotary where he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a former member of the Vermilion Investment Club, and Vermilion Fish and Game. After retirement , he worked part time for Riddle Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jacqueline (nee Gabriel); daughter, Gloria Morin of Lorain; sons, Roland E. (Nancy) Fleming of Holiday, FL, Randy E. Fleming of Holiday, FL and Russell of Vermilion; step daughters, Valerie (Paul) Toal of Greenwood LA, Vicki Gilbert of Englewood, FL, Vanessa Wuitowicz of Vermilion; granddaughters, Teri (Mitch) Davis of New Port Ritchie, FL, Becky (Ken) Caple of Odessa, FL, Danielle Morin, San Antonio, TX, Meggan Fleming, Vermilion, Brandy Oney, Marshall, TX, Melissa Gilbert, Tarrehaute, IN, Amberly Shoman, Vermilion and Debra Wuitowicz, Vermilion; grandsons, Reid Fleming of Holiday, FL and Eric Scoles, Vermilion; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Kay Sommers, Vermilion; and nephews, Harold Sommers, Arizona and Mark Sommers, Berlin Heights. Friends may call Wednesday, May 28, 2008 from 1 until the time of a memorial service at 3 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. Matt Humphrey, Life Celebrant, will officiate. The family suggests memorial contributions to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.