Longtime New Philadelphia Safety Director Greg Popham passes away
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Mar. 11, 2025) – City leaders have been conducting business with heavy hearts.
Council President Don Kemp made the somber announcement at Monday night’s City Council meeting about the unexpected death of Safety Director Greg Popham earlier that afternoon.
Greg Popham (right) from a photo shared by the City of New Philadelphia on Facebook from 2023
“We ask you to continue to pray for his wife and their kids,” said Kemp.
Council Member Steve Rippeth then led a prayer and a moment of silence.
“Father, we’re saddened by his loss, but we celebrate that he’s now in your presence,” Rippeth said.
Service Director Ron McAbier began his report to Council by reflecting on Popham’s passing.
“What a great person,” McAbier added.
Law Director Marvin Fete described Popham as someone who possessed a wealth of knowledge and also recalled looking up to him as a child, when Popham would patrol Tuscora Park as a police officer.
“He was one of the kindest, gentle souls that you ever met and just a dear, dear friend.” Fete said.
Mayor Joel Day couldn’t immediately share his sympathies. He was in Washington DC for a conference.