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Local News

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Longtime sheriff's officer retires
Ewald Furniture - Tiffin
By JORDAN CRAVENS

staff writer

From hidden pot to metal pipes and other drug paraphernalia, Lt. Gary Crace has seen it all from visitors attempting to funnel items into the Hancock County Courthouse.

Crace retired last week after working for 30 years at the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. He was in charge of the transport warrant department, which means he coordinated security at the courthouse, and was in charge of scheduling the transportation of offenders from jail or prison to their court hearings.

Visitors to the courthouse may have been greeted by Crace at its entrance. He sometimes operated the metal detector, which serves as the first line of defense for people trying to bring in contraband or weapons.

He also watched over courtrooms or escort offenders to their court hearings.

His career, which began as a corrections officer at the old jail, spanned over three sheriffs: William Bell, Byron Boutwell and current Sheriff Michael Heldman.

"He is going to be missed," Heldman said. "There were definitely a lot of things I could rely on Gary to do with transport warrants and setting up security for high-profile murder cases."

Heldman has appointed Tina Driftmyer to take over Crace's duties. Driftmyer was the former director of the county's Rehabilitation and Opportunity Center, and has served as training director for the sheriff's office since the ROC closed in October 2008.

She will continue to work as training director, but will also assume transport warrant duties, Heldman said.

Much has changed in Crace's three decades of service, a trend for the better, he said.

"You have more education as far as training goes," Crace said. "When I first got hired, it was kind of learn as you go. Now, there is a lot more complex training."

Providing security at the trial for Nathan Graham, who is now serving a 55-year prison term for the attempted murder and abduction of a 13-year-old girl in 1999, was one of the more challenging trials of his career.

Security was heightened because Graham was described as a "high-risk, violent individual," he said.

They also had received word that Graham was going to try and escape when he was being transported from Allen County to Hancock County.

"We knew we had to be on our toes," he said.

Unsure of what his next move will be, Crace said in the interim, he will just take it easy, spend time with his family and his 4-year-old granddaughter.

He will miss the job, especially "the guys" who he knew he could count on for backup at any time, he said.

Cravens: 419-427-8422,

Send an e-mail to Jordan Cravens


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5 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
Jason wrote:
Congrats Uncle Gary
“ I just want to wish good luck and congrats to my uncle Gary. I'm sorry that I missed the party, I heard that everyone had a great time. Congrats again Gary!!! ”
Sunday, March 21, 2010 10:56:05 AM
Hank Rafferty wrote:
Lt. Crace
“ Congratulations on a great career. Something smells fishy though...I think there's a hidden meaning to the last line of this story... ”
Thursday, March 04, 2010 5:49:18 AM
Tim wrote:
Gary
“ Congratulations on a wonderful career! God Bless ”
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 4:01:17 PM
Joe wrote:
way to go!
“ Thanks for the years of service to our county Gary! May you have a safe and wonderful retirement! ”
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 11:16:50 AM
Tony Grotrian wrote:
Lt. Gary Grace
“ After 30 years of service to this community, and doing your selection of work you deserve to have an excellant retirement. Take it easy; to a point. Spend your time and love with your family; they are so important. Love and protect your little granddaughter; they are so precious. May God bless you and your family. Amiah and Grandpa Tony ”
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 9:06:32 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.
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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.