Chief Donald J. Duman
December 7, 1953 ~ September 6, 2020 (age 66)A

Fairlawn's police chief has died.

Donald Duman, who became chief in 2017, died Sept. 6, 2020.

"He was very compassionate about his job and obviously the city and the people that worked for him," said Fairlawn Mayor Bill Roth. "He was professional, and he was a very good man. And he will be missed."

Duman, 66, worked as a part-time officer with the department for more than eight years before becoming chief. He previously spent 25 years as a patrolman, sergeant, lieutenant and commander at the Cleveland Police Department and retired from the Cleveland force in 2004, the Beacon Journal reported when he became chief.

His obituary states that while in Cleveland, he helped develop and implement the Greater Cleveland Drug Court and "spent much of his career standing up for those who needed an extra dose of grace."

He also had worked as an investigator with a private surveillance company in Cleveland.

In Fairlawn, Duman replaced Chief Kenneth Walsh, who retired in 2017 after 20 years with the department.

"This is one of the finest cities I've been around, and I've seen a number of different cities," Duman told the Beacon Journal after being appointed chief. "The integrity of the people and the integrity of the officers is unsurpassed."

Duman's obituary says that "in his final days, Chief Duman fought hard to return to his team, telling all who would listen that he wasn't done yet and how much he loved his team and the people of Fairlawn."

His obituary highlights his extensive law enforcement career, including graduating from the 146th Session of the FBI National Academy, where he completed special coursework in internal affairs and terrorism.

"You should know that I have dedicated my life to law enforcement and the great trust and responsibility the citizens and city administration place on their officers," Duman said about himself as part of his obituary. "As events in the nation and world shape our reality and perception, it is essential that the public trust be maintained for the city administration and citizens alike. I believe the values, compassion, and integrity of an organization is paramount in its efficiency and perception it reflects to the public. I am thankful to have received numerous commendations and resolutions in my honor throughout my career, but am more thankful to have had the privilege to uphold the values of the communities I serve." Duman's obituary says he was also "an extra class Amateur Radio operator for 46 years, a hobby gardener, a lefty pitcher, a 'tinkerer' who believed everything (tangible or otherwise) could be fixed, a week-long 'Happy Birthday' singer, or a perpetual learner. But all who were blessed to know him knew Chief Duman as a man of God, a friend who was always there when you needed him, a proud dad, a devoted husband, a lifelong public servant, and a playful and kind soul who spent his life trying to leave the world a better place than he found it."

Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife, Lori; son, Officer Brian Duman; daughter, Jennifer Duman; and brothers, Robert (Marilyn) Duman, Richard (Ronald) Duman and James (Judy) Duman.