Council backs auxiliary trainer to provide local firearms and in‑service training

The council discussed reestablishing an auxiliary training role and supported bringing on a retired officer, Aaron Grama, to provide firearms qualifications, roll‑call training and classroom sessions.

Why it matters: Staff said having a local trainer will reduce training costs and scheduling burdens, speed qualifications for newly hired officers and increase in‑house training opportunities so fewer officers need to travel to outside classes.

Council members described Grama (who previously served at Grove City and has worked as a trainer) as a qualified candidate who can offer firearms, active‑shooter, and use‑of‑force training. The chief noted that sending an officer to become a certified firearms instructor is expensive (training weeks, thousands of rounds and roughly $5,000–$6,000 in costs per instructor); council members said hosting a trainer locally could save significant money.

Liability and hours: council members discussed expectations for auxiliary hours and documentation. One council member recommended tracking in‑service hours (for example, marking in service at least once a month) and suggested eight hours per month as a reasonable baseline; the chief later indicated there is no legal minimum requirement for monthly hours and that availability will vary by season because the trainer will have a full‑time position teaching during the school year.

Outcome: Council signaled support for reestablishing an auxiliary trainer position restricted to training duties; staff will prepare appropriate legislation and role language. No vote was taken at the meeting.