David Smith announces retirement from Medway Drug Enforcement Agency

WOOSTER -- Shortly before officers from numerous counties swarmed Wooster and Wayne County drug dealers, Wooster Police Chief Matt Fisher had a "bittersweet" announcement that Operation Southern Migration would be David Smith's last time within local law enforcement circles.

At the May 14 board meeting for the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency, the board elected to promote Don Hall from senior agent to executive director.

As the drug sweep was winding down Thursday, Smith said his last day on the job will be June 9 after more than seven years with the agency.

"I have a business opportunity in Florida ... with a jewelry business," that Smith said he needed to act quickly upon, hence the quick retirement news.

But news of Hall taking the helm as Medway director is a "good fit," Smith said, adding Hall is someone who "has the respect of the law enforcement community."

"I felt the time was right and Don's a good fit ... (Medway) will only continue to improve," under his leadership, he said.

After Hall finished processing a few bags of heroin discovered in an individual's buttocks during the sweep, he said he was ready to continue Medway's work. But he admitted it will be hard to transition into a more administrative role and "not be with the troops in the field" during round-ups.

"We will continue to do what Medway does ... progressively seek out people who sell drugs and prosecute them," Hall said, adding he was excited for the challenges. "I've got some rather large shoes to fill. ... I love what I do and I love this county and city."