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Meet muni court Traffic Safety Officer Dion Seminatore

Dion Seminatore started his new position as Akron Municipal Court's traffic safety officer on June 7, 2022. (Photo courtesy of the Akron Municipal Court).

SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter

Published: January 6, 2023

He served as an Akron police officer for 31 years, now Dion Seminatore is helping residents who’ve lost their driving privileges to get their licenses reinstated in his new role as Akron Municipal Court’s traffic safety officer.
“About 46% of accidents involve hit and runs and that’s because the driver doesn’t have a license or insurance, which is tragic for everyone involved, especially the person who gets hit,” said Seminatore, who began his position at the court on June 7, 2022.
“If we can get everyone driving legally, it makes the roads safer for everyone,” he said. “I meet with people to discuss how they can reduce fines or get on repayment plans that they can afford.”
Seminatore replaced Mychal Brown, who moved to the probation department.
Akron Municipal Court Administrative/Presiding Judge Ron Cable said although Seminatore hasn’t been there that long he’s already made a “terrific” impact.
“Dion is very approachable, compassionate and helpful and that is exactly the type of person we were looking to hire when this role became available,” said Judge Cable. “Our goal for the Akron Municipal Traffic Court is to assist individuals in getting driver’s licenses reinstated if they are in a situation where they have an abundance of fines or other issues stopping them from driving legally.  
“Many drivers believe that they have a right to drive,” said Judge Cable. “Driving is a privilege, which once earned can be lost. A lack of a driver’s license is especially troubling for parents or those who work outside their homes. There are plenty of reputable programs and resources available locally and part of our traffic safety officer’s role is to connect individuals with those justice partners.”
It’s not the first time Seminatore has been assigned to Akron Municipal Court.
During the final portion of his career at the police department, he was responsible for providing security for the building and the courts, including the judges, staff and citizens.
“Court security transports all prisoners and we handle video arraignments at the jail,” said Seminatore. “We also operate the metal detectors and arrest and process all warrants, and in some cases take people into custody after a trial or for committing any crimes in or around the building.”
It was during his time at the court that he met Judge Cable.
“Being that I saw him nearly every day, I got to know him and instantly appreciated his willingness to go above and beyond helping the public, judges and court staff,” said Judge Cable. “Those assigned to work in court security have a variety of duties and he was always responsible and dependable.”
Seminatore grew up in Brimfield Township and has devoted his entire career to public safety.
After graduating from Field High School, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1985 to 1989. He was stationed aboard the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz in Norfolk, Virginia.
As a crash and rescue specialist, he was charged with saving pilots and crew involved in aircraft accidents on board or at sea. He was also responsible for removing any live ordnance or liquid oxygen from the damaged plane as well as removing the aircraft from the landing area and repairing whatever damage may have occurred to the deck.
During his time in the Navy, Seminatore received several good conduct awards and sea service ribbons, a letter of accommodation from the ship’s admiral for improving training efficiency and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his wartime service.
When he left the military, his rank was petty officer third class.
Shortly after he returned to Ohio, Seminatore joined the Brimfield Police Department.
“I initially decided to be a policeman after meeting a girl, who later became my wife,” he said. “I met Kathy at an October festival in my hometown of Brimfield. She was a part-time police officer when we met. While I was at the festival, I talked to the police chief, who had also been in the military and he asked if I was interested in joining the force.
“I got hired right away,” said Seminatore. “Kathy and I ended up going to the police academy together and I suggested we carpool. We’ve now been married over 31 years.”
After working at the Brimfield Police Department for about 18 months, he was hired as a patrolman at the Akron Police Department. He was also a detective for 12 years before being assigned to Akron Municipal Court.
“When I was approaching my retirement date, I mentioned to Judge Cable that I was interested in working at the court after I retired,” he said. “He asked me for my resume and not long after I was asked to interview for two jobs, one of which was traffic safety officer.
“It’s turned out to be an amazing job,” said Seminatore. “I am able to make a real difference in people’s lives by helping them get their licenses back.”
“Dion and I meet regularly and we have been working together to determine ways to make our driving programs even more efficient,” said Judge Cable. “We are lucky to have him as our traffic safety officer. His positive energy and career experience allow him to make meaningful contributions to our entire jurisdiction.”
“Judge Cable is very focused on helping more people drive legally,” said Seminatore.
“He is very approachable and listens to any idea or suggestions that anyone has. All of the judges and the court administrator have made the transition from the police department to the civilian side of the courts very easy.
“In this job you get to relate to people on a different level and help them in a different way. People are very grateful after I’m able to help them get their license back or get them driving privileges,” Seminatore said. “A lot of the people we help are good people who just got off to a bad start and ended up buried in debt from fines and reinstatement fees. So our goal is to help them dig out of it and move forward.
“Word of our services at the court is spreading to other jurisdictions, which means we’ll be able to help even more people get back on the road.”


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