Deputy Chief Wade told Sunbury City Council on Nov. 19 that the police department secured three rifle‑rated ballistic shields to provide increased protection for officers, citing rising concerns about armed attacks on law‑enforcement personnel. The shields were obtained from a supplier in Berea, Ohio; Wade said they retail at roughly $5,000 apiece and that the city negotiated about a $700 discount per shield.

Wade also reported vehicle warranty work on two 2023 Silverado patrol trucks and said officers completed required weapons‑platform qualification and continuing professional training as required by the State of Ohio. He demonstrated a shield in council chambers and described its rifle‑rated protection (including .308 level protection).

On staffing, Wade said conditional part‑time officer Brian Newsome — who comes with 20 years’ experience from Morrow County — has received a conditional offer to become full time, with an anticipated start date of Dec. 1 if all checks are completed.

Wade also briefed council on labor negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), saying the current contract term has reached its end and the city and the bargaining unit are at an impasse; the next step is fact‑finding as part of the negotiation process.

Council thanked the department for the update and had brief technical questions about shield weight and materials.