Stark County Business News: Administrative Sergeant Matthew Buzzard Promoted to Assistant Chief of the North Canton Police Department

 

Administrative Sergeant Matthew Buzzard Promoted to Assistant Chief of the North Canton Police Department 

 

JUNE 20, 2025—The City of North Canton is pleased to announce the promotion of Administrative Sergeant Matthew Buzzard to the role of Assistant Chief of the North Canton Police Department (NCPD)!

Matthew Buzzard joined the NCPD as a Patrol Officer in 2012, earning a promotion to Patrol Sergeant in 2017 and transitioning to Administrative Sergeant in 2020. Over the past 13 years, Buzzard has displayed an exemplary dedication to the NCPD and to our community, gaining extensive job knowledge through a combination of education, training & professional development, and real-world experience. 

As Administrative Sergeant, Buzzard acted as a supervisor for the NCPD’s School Resource Officers and the City’s Dispatch Center; served as NCPD Public Information Officer; founded the NCPD’s Community Engagement Team; and managed essential administrative functions. He has also led multiple Continuing Professional Training (CPT) courses at the Stark County Law Enforcement Training Center for fellow law enforcement personnel within and beyond our community. Buzzard holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ashland University and a Master of Science degree in Justice Administration from Tiffin University, and is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC) of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

“I’m incredibly excited to step into this new role. As Assistant Chief, I remain fully committed to our department’s mission to make North Canton one of the safest cities in the region. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and working alongside the men and women of this department to serve our community with integrity, accountability, and care. I want to thank all the leaders, mentors, and officers—past and present—who paved the way and helped shape this department into what it is today. I stand on their shoulders and carry their example with me,” said Buzzard.

Buzzard will hold the departmental rank of Major, acting as NCPD Chief Frank Kemp Jr.’s second in command.

“With his dedication, leadership experience, and forward-thinking vision, Major Buzzard is well-positioned to take on this new role. We’re excited about the future and confident that this step will help strengthen our service and deepen our connection with the community. We also recognize the hard work and commitment of all our team members, whose efforts continue to drive our mission forward,” said Chief Kemp.

As a 14-year resident of North Canton, Buzzard’s connection to our community goes beyond his career in public service; though not born here, he explained that the people, neighborhoods, and sense of community quickly made North Canton home for him and his family. He credits his family as the “cornerstone” of his success, and he was glad to share that he will celebrate his 16th wedding anniversary with his wife Rachel this month, whom he described as his steady partner and support throughout his journey. While off-duty, Buzzard enjoys taking RV road trips to explore new places and make lasting memories with Rachel and their three young sons. 

Buzzard will be sworn in as Assistant Police Chief by Mayor Stephan B. Wilder on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Event Hall of the North Canton Civic Center (845 W. Maple St.). Please join us in congratulating Assistant Chief Buzzard on his new role!