Galion Safety Service Director John L. Swain has gone on an extended leave of absence because of chronic health problems.

Nicole Ward, assistant to Mayor Tom O’Leary, was appointed as acting safety service director, while Swain determines whether he will return to the role, O’Leary said.

Swain was appointed the position back in 2013, according to the Galion City website. A retired Galion police chief, John served in the Ohio National Guard and later in the Army Ready Reserve. He was hired as a patrolman with Galion police in 1960 and advanced through the ranks, retiring as chief in 1989. After retirement, he held positions as an energy auditor, then chief probation officer for Crawford County, retiring again in 2004. A lifelong Galion resident, Swain has always been heavily involved in the community, including helping establish Boy Scout Troop 309, and serving on various committees and boards, in addition to being a member of First Lutheran Church for more than 60 years. He and his wife, Jo, were married in 1957 and have two children, one grandchild and one great-grandchild.