Lima Police recruitment team outlines outreach; council thanks officers after Oct. 30 shooting

Lieutenant Douglas, who leads the Lima Police Department27s recruitment team, told council the unit has eight members and conducts outreach at regional college career fairs (University of Toledo, University of Findlay, University of Tiffin, Wright State), Maker Fest and the city27s Maker Fest at the fairgrounds. He described recruitment duties such as scheduling ride-alongs and internships, conducting background checks for applicants, and using the department27s social-media channels to reach candidates. Douglas noted several hires resulted from career-fair outreach and that community events featuring the department27s K-9 unit draw strong public interest.

Councilors praised the team27s community engagement and noted visible department participation at Safety City trick-or-treat and other family events. Several councilors said that seeing officers interact with children and residents helps build trust and supports local recruitment.

The mayor and presiding officer also addressed a separate public-safety matter: the Oct. 30 shooting in Lima in which a police officer was shot while on duty. The mayor said the officer is stable and recovering and council expressed gratitude to the Lima Police Department, Allen County Sheriff27s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol and local fire responders for their efforts.

Ending: Council thanked the department for recruitment work and offered public support to the wounded officer and to all emergency responders.