Parma Heights Promotes Two Veteran Law Enforcement Officers

Parma Heights Police Captain Steve Scharschmidt (left), Parma Heights Mayor Michael P. Byrne (center), and Parma Heights Sergeant Dan Kravanis.

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Parma Heights Mayor Michael P. Byrne has promoted two veteran law enforcement officers within the Parma Heights Police Department. Detective Sergeant Steve Scharschmidt has been promoted to the rank of Captain, and Detective Dan Kravanis has been promoted to the rank of  Sergeant.

Both officers were sworn-in at the start of the Monday, April 10, 2017 Parma Heights City Council meeting before a capacity audience of residents, family members and colleagues from the police department.

“I’m very proud to announce the promotion of these two individuals who have served the Parma Heights Police Department with great distinction. They’ve both worked tirelessly to make the city safe for all our residents,” said Mayor Byrne.

Parma Heights Police Chief Daniel D. Teel praised both Scharschmidt and Kravanis by sharing a quote from New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, who said:  “You are being promoted for what you have done, but you are also being promoted for our belief that you can do more, that you can in fact take the responsibilities that you are now going to assume and use them in the right way, to serve as role models, to serve as inspirations.”

Detective Sergeant Steve Scharschmidt has his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Baldwin-Wallace College. He began his career as a Police Officer in 1991 with the Parma Heights Police Department. In his first eight years, he served under the Uniform Patrol Division. During his time as a patrol officer, Steve served as a member of the Southwest Enforcement Bureau Tactical Unit. He was a Field Training Officer and was part of the Community Policing Unit. In 1999, Steve was assigned to the Detective Bureau where he served until he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, in 2011. After his promotion, he continued to serve in the Detective Bureau as a Supervisor. During 18 years in the Detective Bureau, Steve has been an integral part of the department’s exhaustive investigations. Through his hard work, he has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and the entire community. He has always strived to receive the advanced training that was necessary in the investigative areas. In 2011, Steve was recognized as the Parma Heights “Police Officer of the Year”; throughout his career he has received commendations for his outstanding performance.

Detective Dan Kravanis started his career in law enforcement in 1995 with the Cleveland Police Department, Sixth District. He served as a Field Training Officer in 1999 with the Cleveland Police Department.  In 2001, he was hired by the Parma Heights Police Department. He spent 13 years on duty in the Uniform Patrol Division. During this time, he has served as a Field Training Officer, Bicycle Officer, a part-time DARE Officer, as well as Safety Town Officer. Dan is currently serving as an Assistant Team Leader on the Southwest Enforcement Bureau Tactical Unit. In October 2014, Dan was promoted to Detective. He has played an essential part in working investigative cases.