LORDSTOWN, Ohio - When Lordstown Mayor Jackie Woodward received former Deputy Richard Watson’s retirement letter earlier this week, she wasn’t surprised.

“I don't blame him for making that decision, you know, he has been an officer for over 30 years and obviously this job is getting to him,” Woodward said in an interview Thursday. “So enough is enough. It's time for him to go. And it does save the village the hassle of having to go through the process of the termination.”

21 News exclusively reported Watson tendered his retirement in a letter to Woodward dated Dec. 8, after learning she and Police Chief Brent Milhoan had each recommended Village Council terminate his employment with the police department. Watson could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Watson, who had worked w

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