Longtime police chief remembered

Longtime Lorain police Chief John Malinovsky died April 7 at the age of 91 following a long illness, prompting local officials to weigh in.

Malinovsky served as chief for 26 years from 1967 until his retirement in 1993, capping off a 42-year career in law enforcement that began in 1957.

The lifelong resident was member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lorain Lodge No. 33.

“To anyone who lived or grew up in Lorain, he was simply known as ‘The Chief,’” wrote Lorain Municipal Court Judge Mark J. Mihok.

Mihok remembered Malinovsky as a man who never backed down from a challenge and for his aggressive efforts to reduce gang activity in the city, chasing away a New York-based Jamaican gang in the early 1990s.

“The chief had a healthy aversion to local politics, but was never disrespectful or demeaning to those in power,” Mihok said. “He only asked that the police department not be used for political gain.

“Chief Malinovsky’s single-minded dedication to family, community and the police department should be acknowledged and respected . We can all take a lesson from ‘The Chief.’”

Lorain officer Kyle Gelenius, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lorain Lodge No. 3, remembered Malinovsky in an April 10 statement recognizing him for his countless contributions to the Lorain Police Department and the citizens.

“Chief Malinovsky was a historic figure among the rank-and-file officers of the Lorain Police Department,” Gelenius said. “Many officers looked up to him as a strong and exceptional leader. Through my time on the Lorain Police Department, I have enjoyed the countless stories and memories shared by those who worked for Chief Malinovsky.”

In 1989, Malinovsky was indicted on extortion and perjury charges after being accused of asking former Lorain police sergeant Wayne Long to pressure firefighters to overlook fire code violations at a bingo hall operated by Malinovsky’s daughter.

The charges were dismissed and the U.S. Supreme Court decided to abide by an appellate court ruling that a new trial would violate Malinovsky’s constitutional rights against double jeopardy.

Malinovsky