Joseph E. Valine was appointed to the Brooklyn Heights Police Department as its only full-time policeman on February 1, 1955. He was appointed Chief on January 1, 1956. He joined the Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association shortly thereafter and in 1980 was one of the senior members of the organization. Since his appointment to the department, Chief Valine had seen many changes in the facilities, from sharing an office with other municipal employees to the modern police station now being enjoyed by his department, and in personnel from one full-time officer to the present complement of seventeen.
Chief Valine participated in the planning and construction of the new police station housed in the new municipal center which was built in 1973. His planning and foresight resulted in a facility that is both modern and functional and is large enough to serve the ultimate growth of the department and the community.
Robert H. Tonne, Sr., was appointed Chief of Police in Brooklyn Heights on February 26, 1982, and served until January 8, 1985, when he resigned as he was elected to serve as Mayor in Brooklyn Heights.
Richard C. Grzelecki was appointed to the Brooklyn Heights Police Department on July 1, 1968, and on October 4, 1988, was appointed Chief. On January 1, 1999 he retired from the Department.
Joseph C. Kocab was appointed Chief of the Brooklyn Heights Police Department on June 2, 1999. A native of Brooklyn Heights, Ohio, he has been a police officer in the Village of Brooklyn Heights since March 17, 1980. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1985 and served in that capacity until his appointment to the position of Chief.