RSS | Print | Comments | Tell a Friend | Larger Text | Smaller Text | Bookmark and Share

Local News

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Sheriff's cuts mean 'big change'
Hancock Federal Credit Union
By JORDAN CRAVENS

staff writer

Four fewer deputies will be patrolling Hancock County's roads and three fewer corrections officers will guard the county jail, starting Sunday.

Also beginning Sunday, the sheriff's office will require residents to come to the station to report civil complaints; storm, mailbox or property damage; and car-deer accidents, according to Capt. Roger Treece.

Deputies will also not respond to some 911 hang-ups and misdials.

The service cuts come following a mandate from the Hancock County commissioners for county departments to slash at least 10 percent from their budgets next year, according to Sheriff Michael Heldman.

Nine deputies and four sergeants will be left to patrol the county, Treece said. On some shifts there will only be two officers patrolling, instead of the normal three to four during the day, and five to six in the afternoon.

"This is going to be a big change in the way we operate and the service we provide to the county," Heldman said.

With personnel down, Treece is expecting slower response times to calls.

"When we get busy, we are going to get backlogged on calls," Treece said. "It's going to have an impact."

In 2009 the sheriff's office budget was $5.9 million, according to the county auditor's office.

Heading into 2010, the sheriff's budget has been reduced by 11 percent, according to Treece, which amounts to roughly $700,000 less than its 2009 level.

The personnel cuts accounted for $396,000 of the cuts, according to the sheriff.

Another cutback involved extra patrol contracts in Arlington and Van Buren, which have already ceased. However, Treece said the sheriff's office will revisit those contracts next month with the hope of resuming.

Among other cutbacks, work cell phones are being phased out, the Citizen's Sheriff's Academy has been canceled, and employees are paying an increased share of their health insurance premiums.

When the sheriff's office receives a 911 hang-up or misdial, Treece said deputies will respond only in emergency situations.

In addition, "there will be more questions by the dispatcher and more of a burden on their shoulders to try and cut back on the number of responses for deputies," Treece said.

The sheriff's office fields many civil complaints and property and custody disputes, Treece said. The severity of the complaints will determine if a deputy responds, he said.

For nonviolent civil complaints or custody disputes, residents will have to come to the station, but the sheriff's office may decline to file a report depending on the nature of the complaint, Treece said.

If the county's revenues improve, Treece said the sheriff's office hopes to bring back laid off employees. No one new will be hired before those laid off employees are offered their jobs back, he said.

With fewer deputies, having backup for deputies is a concern, Treece said.

"Nowadays, it seems like the calls have potential for more violence compared to way back when," Treece said.

He said the sheriff's office may have to call on the State Highway Patrol or Findlay Police Department for backup.

According to Treece, the sheriff's office has operated with this many employees before, but that was when Hancock County had a smaller population.

"The sheriff has worked at this level, but as the county's population increased, your enforcement is also supposed to increase," Treece said.

The sheriff's office has 20 fewer employees than in 2002, Heldman said.

Cravens: 419-427-8422,

Send an e-mail to Jordan Cravens


Subscribe to The Courier.
Comment on This Story
NOTE: Comment moderation has been enabled. If you see a comment that violates our Electronic User Agreement, please e-mail webmaster@thecourier.com. Thank you. If you are having problems viewing this Web page, please contact our Internet Department to help us diagnose and correct the problem. We may contact you for more information. Thanks in advance.
Your e-mail address will not be displayed on this website or shared with anyone. It is used by our online editor for contacting purposes.
Comments are moderated by The Courier according to its Electronic User Agreement within one business day. Comments that slander others or include language that violates the agreement will be rejected. All comments that impart opinion and information are welcome.

8 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
Darl Deeds wrote:
Sheriff's Office
“ I retired from the Sheriff's Office in good standing. I am not disgruntled with the office just with the over abundance of supervisors into new positions made for them when deputies are being laid off for lack of money. I did not retire from my township trustee position. I did not have to according to PERS since it was a lesser paying position so I did not. I retired from the Sheriff's Office not as a trustee, there's a difference and it is not double dipping. The county does have a temporary policy of not hiring any new employees during this time of stress and once retired they would be new hirees. That policy is documented. ”
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 10:40:10 AM
Diane wrote:
Follow Up
“ Mr. Deeds sounds like a disgruntled ex-employee. First of all, the county does not have a no-retire/rehire policy. There are several county employees who are in a retire-rehire situation. In addition, isn't Mr. Deeds a township trustee which is a paying position that pays into the very same retirement system he is drawing a retirement from? Hmmm..isn't that kind of like double dipping? ”
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 7:01:52 AM
Gyre and Gimbling In the Wabe wrote:
Darl Deeds Comment: Sheriff's Office
“ So...Is there going to be some sort of follow-up of Mr. Deeds allegations? Or does anyone with the authority to do so really give a riff? Except of course those (and their families) recently laid off... ”
Monday, December 14, 2009 7:06:38 AM
Frustrated with back door dealing wrote:
unethical behavior
“ The main reason that there will be less law enforcement in the county is that the County Commissioners, Findlay city government and the Findlay School Board entered into unethical and questionable legal back door meetings. The city attorney nor the county prosecutor had the courage to tell the city government or the county commssioners that they were engaging in potentially illegal activities. If the city and county had remained firm, we would not be placed in jeopardy due to reduced man power. The result is that the county has to cut its budget, the city has to cut its budget and the residents of Findlay are in debt for more than 28 years. As one individual once said, there are wants and needs. We need adequate law enforcement and city services, the Findlay school board wants new schools. They would not have been necessary if the Board had maintained the buildings with the permanant improvement levy instead of holding back to buy brown land. It's a shame when we in Hancock County and Findlay have to suffer countinued unethical behavior by our elected officals. It my hope that no one is personally or finacially injured due to lack of law enforcement or essential services, and that not too many people will lose their homes due to the debt that the school board has incurred. ”
Sunday, December 13, 2009 1:24:08 PM
Donna wrote:
Failure to protect citizens
“ Capt. Treece is setting all cozy and warm because he is one of the "double dippers" working at the Hancock Co Sheriff's Office. Treece retired at one position and Heldman rehired him at a higher paying position so he is collecting a pension and a weekly paycheck. And there are atleast 2 or 3 others working for Sheriff Heldman that are doulble dipping the system. Is it legal? Yes but is it moral, NO. Other Sheriff employees that are just trying to support their families are being laid off so these other "fat cats" can collect their pay. Nice system and thanks alot Mike. Election time cannot come soon enough for me. And make sure all you citizens of Hancock Co when a crime is commited at your property and no deputy can come out or are delayed, call Sheriff Heldman and thank him for his great service and wonderful admin skills. And don't leave out our wonderful Hancock Co Commisiioners Ingold, Riegle and the lady, they are all to blame also. Good Job people. ”
Saturday, December 12, 2009 11:36:31 AM
fantastic wrote:
fantastic, isn't it?
“ you have got to be kidding me?!
We elimate deputies when the world is getting worse in the world of violent crimes. We need to eliminate more "top heavy" positions.. fat cats.
This is by far one of the most ridiculous decisions made, no doubt by a fat cat. Is the leadership THAT arrogant and remvoed from reality to think they will maintain their status?
Have you really spent anytime in the area seeing what is truly going on?
Are you BLIND and DEAF?
Pretty soon it will be a another Fostoria. I won't even drive through that town.

”
Saturday, December 12, 2009 10:47:02 AM
Darl Deeds wrote:
Sheriff's Office
“ I'm not sure my last comment made it to you so this is the same as before with more.

Have you checked to see if the numbers the Captain reported are true? The deputies numbers have declined a lot. 5 deputies left in 2008 and were not replaced. 2 supervisors retired in 2008 but were rehired, against the no rehirng policy by the county, with one being the Captain and another one being a Sgt and he rehired as a Lt. In addition the director of the ROC came back to the Sheriff's Office into a position created for her. There are, as of Monday, sometimes 2 deputies on the road handling complaints and accidents and 6 supervisors in the office that will not respond to any calls unless you are dead. The supervisors are fully certified law enforcement officials and are more than double the amount of supervisors that were in 2002. Investigate this story more and talk to more than the Captain and Sheriff to get the whole story. ”
Saturday, December 12, 2009 10:41:11 AM
len sorrell wrote:
sheriffs cuts
“ I would like to know how many of the administrative personnel at the sheriff's department has been cut. All we hear is about the road deputies and correctional officers, which are the ones that they need the most. ”
Saturday, December 12, 2009 9:09:03 AM
   NEWS VIDEO

Benton Ridge Shooting

This video, released by the Hancock County Prosecutor's Office, shows the shooting of a Lima man who led authorities on a three-county chase ending Aug.24 in Benton Ridge. Be cautioned, the video contains graphic content.
   SPECIAL SECTIONS
Summer Coupons
   WEEKEND
USA Weekend

ANDERSON COOPER: Five years after Hurricane Katrina, the CNN reporter returns to New Orleans as the Gulf Coast faces even newer challenges.


Roses are red...

SOLUTIONS, NOT PROBLEMS: The University of Findlay plays host to competitive sailor who is a quadruple amputee.

ALSO IN WEEKEND: Area events,
prep boys and girls soccer and a trip to Niagra Falls.

   STAY IN TOUCH
The Courier on Facebook
   VIRTUAL VILLAGE
TisaWee Farm

Far Flung Guest Book

Virtual Village
   PHOTO GALLERY
Randy's Seen

IMAGE BLOG: Go behind the scenes with Courier photographer Randy Roberts.


You can purchase photographs from The Courier through our easy-to-use online system. Get prints, mousepads, T-shirts and more!

   LOCAL NEWS
  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
j wrote in article "Many winners named as Hancock Fair opens":
Good but little expensive
“ The fair was interesting, but at $5 for the more popular rides on the expensive side, same with the food, many people commented... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 10:37:10 AM
JM wrote in article "McComb couple is serious about fair competition":
Very nice!
“ What a lovely article. Will have to check out their goods at the fair. ” Read More...
9/2/2010 10:21:42 AM
Ed wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Dirt bag...
“ A head shot would have put an end to the both dirt bag's chance of getting more money. NATE: could it be that you have some fir... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 9:53:26 AM
Yfkm wrote in article "Heroin outbreak":
Denial
“ To Tony and TL Every good citizen, parent and public official advocates the eradication of drugs from our communities; you are n... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 9:08:20 AM
Penny Musgrave wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Benton Ridge Shooting
“ Although I am all for catching the criminal, I don't condone what was done to this guy. They converged on him like gangbusters b... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 8:43:07 AM
Yfkm wrote in article "Parole denied in murder case":
Unqualified reassurance
“ To Tony - here is another example of your inability to see situations as they really are. It is obvious that you are so self in... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 8:42:45 AM
JP wrote in article "Pigskin Picks":
Wood Shed???
“ "Bubba," why would a Tiger take a Polar Bear to the wood shed? Wouldn't it be more likely that: Tigers knock Polar Bears into a... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 7:16:48 AM
poor victim!!!!! wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Nate
“ Nate your a moron and obviously do not know a thing about use of force. Also most taser cartridges carried have a 15 ft to 35 f... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 7:15:05 AM
Ryan wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Research
“ It doesn't matter if there was a weapon found or not. An officer's job is based upon perception and their objective reasonablen... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 7:05:15 AM
Derek wrote in article "Shooting video released":
Nate......what???
“ Nate, first of all, police officer's don't carry mase. If they did, the would carry maCe. Now, if you did some research, you'd... ” Read More...
9/2/2010 4:02:04 AM
  U.S. Headlines
  World News
  Ohio News
Subscribe to The Courier - Current Offers
News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.

Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.

Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.

Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

Holiday changes ad deadlines
The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.