Lynchburg hires new police chief
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
The village of Lynchburg has sworn in a new chief of police, who may be a familiar face to village residents.
Tim Heizer was hired in January to replace outgoing chief Brandon Wooten, who left the office effective Feb. 1.
Heizer, a former auxiliary officer with the Highland County Sheriff's Office, was the LPD chief in the 1980s.
Lynchburg Mayor Robbie Williams told The Highland County Press that Heizer's experience level and leadership is something the village needs.
"He has served as chief of Lynchburg in the past, has worked for the sheriff's office, and for the state of Ohio. He lives in town, and has a personal interest in the town. He has many years of law enforcement experience," Williams said.
Former chief Brandon Wooten submitted his resignation to council during their Jan. 12 meeting. During that same meeting, Williams announced that the LPD K-9 program had been cut due to budget constraints. The village's safety levy did not pass during the November general election. It will be on the ballot again in the March 6 primary.
Heizer said getting the safety levy passed is a top priority.
With Heizer, the LPD has a total of three officers, including Sgt.
Dustin Malone and Patrolman Jeremy Helton.
"I moved here over 20 years ago, and was chief in the late '80s. I have
over 30 years of experience with law enforcement," Heizer said. "Actually,
I've been chief here twice. This will be my third time."
He has previously worked for the state office of developmental disabilities, and police departments in Hillsboro, Leesburg, Port William and Sabina. He previously volunteered as a firefighter in Hillsboro, and is currently training to volunteer with the Lynchburg Area Joint Fire and Ambulance District.
Financing, according to Heizer, is among the top obstacles facing a
small police department.
"The main goal in a small village is to try to be where they need you," Heizer said. "It's difficult when you don't have officers who are full time and you're not patrolling 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The sheriff's office helps out, but they have a lot of area to cover. The money (situation) restricts us. We can get officers who are fresh out of the academy, but who need to get some experience. We have to do a lot of old-fashioned police work. We don't have a lot of computers and fancy equipment."
Heizer had praise for the staff that the LPD does have.
"I have two good officers staying with me, Sgt. Malone and Patrolman Helton," Heizer said. "We're going to work on getting the safety levy passed so we can get some help, get some more good officers.
"You've always got to try to help out the community," Heizer said. "It's important to volunteer. It really takes everybody pitching in."
The village of Lynchburg has sworn in a new chief of police, who may be a familiar face to village residents.
Tim Heizer was hired in January to replace outgoing chief Brandon Wooten, who left the office effective Feb. 1.
Heizer, a former auxiliary officer with the Highland County Sheriff's Office, was the LPD chief in the 1980s.
Lynchburg Mayor Robbie Williams told The Highland County Press that Heizer's experience level and leadership is something the village needs.
"He has served as chief of Lynchburg in the past, has worked for the sheriff's office, and for the state of Ohio. He lives in town, and has a personal interest in the town. He has many years of law enforcement experience," Williams said.
Former chief Brandon Wooten submitted his resignation to council during their Jan. 12 meeting. During that same meeting, Williams announced that the LPD K-9 program had been cut due to budget constraints. The village's safety levy did not pass during the November general election. It will be on the ballot again in the March 6 primary.
[[In-content Ad]] Heizer said getting the safety levy passed is a top priority. With Heizer, the LPD has a total of three officers, including Sgt. Dustin Malone and Patrolman Jeremy Helton.
"I moved here over 20 years ago, and was chief in the late '80s. I have over 30 years of experience with law enforcement," Heizer said. "Actually, I've been chief here twice. This will be my third time."
He has previously worked for the state office of developmental disabilities, and police departments in Hillsboro, Leesburg, Port William and Sabina. He previously volunteered as a firefighter in Hillsboro, and is currently training to volunteer with the Lynchburg Area Joint Fire and Ambulance District.
Financing, according to Heizer, is among the top obstacles facing a small police department.
"The main goal in a small village is to try to be where they need you," Heizer said. "It's difficult when you don't have officers who are full time and you're not patrolling 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The sheriff's office helps out, but they have a lot of area to cover. The money (situation) restricts us. We can get officers who are fresh out of the academy, but who need to get some experience. We have to do a lot of old-fashioned police work. We don't have a lot of computers and fancy equipment."
Heizer had praise for the staff that the LPD does have.
"I have two good officers staying with me, Sgt. Malone and Patrolman Helton," Heizer said. "We're going to work on getting the safety levy passed so we can get some help, get some more good officers.
"You've always got to try to help out the community," Heizer said. "It's important to volunteer. It really takes everybody pitching in."