Jaycees Recognize Work of North Canton's Finest

North Canton Fire Capt. Gary Coen and North Canton police officer Mike Foltz were presented with honorary Jaycees memberships Wednesday in recognition of their contributions to the local, non-profit organization and to the community at-large. 

The awards reception was held at the North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce.

The awards were given in conjunction with Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Capt. Gary Coen 

Coen was appointed as a part time firefighter in 1986. He was certified as an EMT in 1991, he was promoted to full time Inspector, Firefighter, EMT in 1998. In 2003 he was promoted to captain.

In addition to fireground supervision, Coen is a member of the Fire Prevention Bureau, is a Certified Fire Safety Inspector and is currently assigned to head special projects. He is also a State of Ohio Certified Child Safety Seat Installer and provides this service to the public.

Officer Mike Foltz

Foltz began his career with the police department in 1982 as an auxiliary patrolman. He was subsequently promoted in 1986 to special patrolman and then to full-time patrolman in 1992.

Foltz became North Canton’s D.A.R.E. Officer in 1996 teaching in all six North Canton Schools 5th grade classes (about 450 students per year).  In 1999, Foltz started the North Canton G.R.E.A.T. summer camp program which provides gang resistance education.  

In 2012, the D.A.R.E. program was discontinued in North Canton and Officer Foltz has resumed patrol duties and also serves as one of the police department’s hostage negotiators. Officer Foltz was a longtime member of the North Canton Jaycees and in 2000 received the Jaycee Officer of the Year Award.