Lieutenant Keith Tarase has been chosen by Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz as the new North Royalton Chief of Police, replacing Ken Bilinovich, who retired on April 2. Antoskiewicz announced his choice after several interviews of the two top-scoring candidates.
“Over the last several weeks, I have conducted two comprehensive interviews with each of the police chief applicants, Lt. Tarase and Sgt. Flo Rybicki,” said Antoskiewicz. “While both are exemplary candidates, I have determined, after completing my due diligence, that Lt. Tarase shall serve as our police chief, pending City Council’s approval. I am looking forward to working with the new chief to achieve his goals to improve our operations, communications and working relationships throughout the city, as well as promote a positive image for the Police Department within our community.”
Tarase received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice at Harold Washington College, in Chicago and was enlisted in the Navy. He began his career in law enforcement with the City of Brookpark, as a dispatcher. Tarase received his certification through the Cleveland Police Academy, along with seven other patrolmen who were hired at the same time. Of that group, another officer, Dave Centner, is also currently serving as a Police Chief in Hinckley. Tarase then started with the North Royalton Police Department as a patrolman in February of 1997 and was promoted to Sergeant in June of 2006. He was then promoted to Lieutenant in June of 2012.
Tarase has been involved in the Southwest Enforcement Bureau for many years, which is a tactical coordinated team that responds to certain high-level events. He is also certified in such things as cybersecurity investigation, security training, and combating unemployment fraud. He has been in charge of the detective bureau since 2017 and has been the media coordinator. He is also the Police Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coordinator.
Tarase noted that he is “thankful for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with our officers to provide quality service to the residents and visitors of the City of North Royalton.”
As of this writing, the appointment is pending approval by vote of the North Royalton City Council, expected to take place at the May 4 meeting. With the promotion of Tarase, a Lieutenant position will then become available. A civil service test will need to be administered for that replacement.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer