NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - The Village of Newton Falls has named a new police chief during a Village Council meeting Wednesday evening.

Newton Falls First Ward Councilwoman Patricia Benetis tells 21 News John Barco has been named the village's new police chief with council voting 3-1 to give him the title.

Second Ward Councilman Brian Axiotis was the only member to vote no on the resolution.

Originally, former Newton Falls Police Chief Gene Fixler was hired to return as police chief back in August of 2024. However, the search for a new chief began after Fixler began eyeing retirement.

Now that Barco has been named the new chief, Benetis says the next step is to negotiate Barco's salary, which will be between him and Village Manager Mike Novotny.

Despite being named chief, the village is still without a proper police department and it will remain that way until the village finds officers to work for the revamped police department either part time or full time.

Benetis says the amount of part time and full time officers hired will depend on the village's financial situation. She adds that several officers who worked for the village's police department before it was dissolved have expressed interest in returning, even if it is just part time.

The hiring process for officers can begin once salary negotiations for Barco are completed.

In the meantime, the village will continue to be served by the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office.