Rep. Miller announces road-naming bill honoring Police Chief Celestino Rivera

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) introduced legislation today to designate a portion of State Route 57 in the city of Lorain as “Police Chief Cel Rivera Memorial Highway.” Celestino “Cel” Rivera, a Vietnam War veteran, served the Lorain Police Department for 49 years. He began his service in 1971 as a Patrolman, was promoted to Sergeant in 1977, to Lieutenant in 1981, Captain in 1983, and finally to Police Chief in 1994. Cel cared deeply for his fellow officers and for the city of Lorain. He was active in his community and continuously advocated for social justice issues. He retired from the department in 2019 and spent the last few years with his greatest love, his family. 

“Chief Rivera will leave an indelible mark on the Lorain community, and I first and foremost want to thank him for his service to our country and Lorain,” said Rep. Miller. “He always greeted me with a smile and genuinely cared how I was doing. This was the case with any person that he encountered. The trials and tribulations that he overcame in his life are a testament to his true character. His will and determination are an inspiration for all of us and will have an everlasting effect on the department. I hope that the legislature swiftly passes this bill to honor his memory so he will forever be a part of Lorain.” 

The legislation will await a hearing in the Transportation Committee following the summer recess.