• I have served Hancock County for over 30 years in the Law Enforcement and Fire/ EMS community. 

• I started as a Law Enforcement Explorer at age 17.

• I went on to serve at the Hancock County Sheriff's Office for six years as a Corrections Officer, Diver, Special Deputy, Law Enforcement Explorer Advisor, and Sergeant.

• During this time, I also served with the Allen Twp Fire Department as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician and HazMat Technician.

• I served at the Findlay Police Department as a Patrol Officer, Bike Officer, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Field Training Officer Sergeant, Special Assignment Unit Sergeant, Emergency Response Team Member/Tactical Medic, Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator, Honor Guard Commander, Joint Dive Team Diver, Findlay High School Security Team and Critical Incident Stress Management Team Coordinator. 

• I retired in November of 2021 after 30 years in Law Enforcement. 

• I also served in the United States Army Reserve, and I am currently a Life Member of AMVETS Post 21.

• I have continued my Firefighting at the Southwest Hancock County Joint Fire District as Firefighter/Captain.  I also serve as an EMT on Appleseed Joint Ambulance District. 

• I have completed all FEMA Incident Command System Training.

• My duties and positions have required leadership and administrative skills necessary to be Sheriff:  budgeting, policy creation and review, scheduling, personnel evaluations and reviews, training agendas and content, grant writing, contract review and negotiation, hiring procedures, and ensuring the mental and physical well-being of personnel and the community.

• Life-Saving Award 2016

• Life-Saving Award 2017

• Officer of the Year 2007 for selfless service

• State of Ohio Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator of the Year 2013

• State of Ohio Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator of the Year 2019

• NAMI/Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year Award

• Good Neighbor Award

• Veterans Response Team Coordinator

• Transportation - Veterans Services

• Guitars for Vets Co-Coordinator 

• Guitars for Vets Instructor

• FOCUS Board Vice-Chair

• Wreaths Across America

• Honor Flight

• Special Olympics Torch Run Northwest Ohio Coordinator and Participant

• Ohio Council for Special Olympics Torch Run

• Community Corrections Action Board-Statutory Member

• Local Emergency Planning Commission

• ALICE Instructor

• NRA Firearms Instructor

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor

• Hancock County Suicide Prevention Committee

• Hancock County Crisis Committee

• AMVETS Life Member

• Elks Member

• Cub Scout Leader

• Walk-a-Mile

• Backyard Missions

• Wall That Heals

• Cops and Kids (Shop with a Cop)

As a leader, I am disciplined and attentive to details involved in a task.  I am proactive in the identification of problems and enjoy finding solutions to alleviate a recurrence.  I work at a steady, even pace, leveraging for the betterment of the team.  My leadership style also includes effective communication, patience, stability and consistency, with a sincere concern for the well-being of others.  Thoughtfulness and empathy allow me to connect with people from all walks of life. 

My wife, Kerri, and I have been married for 32 years.  We have been given the gift of two amazing children, Bethanny and Nathaniel.

We are also blessed with a son-in-law and two handsome grandsons. We enjoy our life in the country surrounded by the beauty of nature.  Our faith is at the forefront of our lives.  Our home church is Gateway, County Road 9.  We believe in the power of prayer, serving God, our Country and our Community.