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Bertha Simich retires after 50 years, 12 chiefs

l50 YEARS OF SERVICE — The City of Weirton on Thursday celebrated the retirement of Bertha Simich, after 50 years of service to the city. Standing with Simich during a reception at the Weirton City Building are Police Chief Rob Alexander, left, and Mayor Harold Miller. - Craig Howell

WEIRTON — After 50 years, nine mayors and 12 police chiefs, Bertha Simich is stepping away from her work with the city of Weirton.

On Thursday, surrounded by members of the Weirton Police Department, city officials and friends, Simich celebrated her retirement following a little more than five decades as the administrative assistant to the city’s chief of police.

Simich began her work on Dec. 5, 1966, hired by Chief Edward Frankovitch. Since then, she has served under Andrew Olenick, George Redish, William Hair, Nick Dragisich, W. Scott Hicks, Ralph Fletcher, Michael D. Gordon, Thomas P. Cooper, D. Lance Scott, Bruce Marshall and current Chief Rob Alexander.

“I have enjoyed, and I have loved my job for 50 years,” Simich said. “It’s been a wonderful experience.”

In addition to Thursday’s reception, a surprise dinner was held at Undo’s on Sunday, with nine of those chiefs in attendance.

Mayor Harold Miller announced that, for the last week, Simich has been an honorary police chief for the city, having given her the oath of office Sunday.

“I knew they called her the chief,” Miller said, noting he thought it only appropriate to make it official.

Miller declared today as Bertha Simich Day in the city.

Alexander expressed his appreciation for Simich, explaining her dedication to the job and the way she has watched over all of the officers in the department over the years.

“I’ve told them all she’s like mom to me,” Alexander said.

Alexander explained, as part of her duties, Simich has not only acted as the chief’s assistant, but also was responsible for scheduling work hours and tracking and arranging training hours for all of the officers.

Simich said, when she first was hired, police officers took care of administrative duties. Civilians soon began to take over those responsibilities, and she recalled the beginning of the drug division, the K-9 division, growth in the department and changes in technology.

“There were no computers,” Simich said. “Everything had to be done by typewriter.”

Simich also is the last employee of the police department to have used shorthand, according to Alexander.

Simich said there have been some sad times, also, noting the deaths of Bill Hair, Denny Cain and John Curenton, and the blinding of Mike Fuscardo.

In addition to Miller, Simich has worked under the administrations of mayors Frank A. Rybka, Michael J. Andochick Jr., Donald T. Mentzer, Edwin J. Bowman, Dean M. Harris, William M. Miller, Mark Harris and George J. Kondik.

She said she plans to spend the next month enjoying the holidays and then spend some time traveling next year.

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