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Fairfield County chief briefs council on local staffing, adds detective for special victims cases
Summary
Chief Collins told council the sheriff’s office remains financially and organizationally strong, reaffirmed the county’s partnership with Canal Winchester, and announced Detective Jamie Schell will be assigned locally to handle special victims cases; council expressed support for retaining Sergeant Strong at the station.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office joined Canal Winchester’s meeting for an open dialogue about the sheriff contract and local policing. Chief Collins described the office as "extremely strong" organizationally and financially and praised the 20‑year partnership with the city.
Council members raised concerns about retention of local sergeants and whether Canal Winchester’s station is treated as a training post. Multiple council members asked for continued stability for Sergeant Strong; Collins said he had no present plans to move the sergeant and that reassignments usually occur only for promotion opportunities. Collins described promotional processes for sergeants and lieutenants (competitive testing and interviews) and noted captains and higher ranks are appointed by the sheriff.
Collins announced the addition of a dedicated special victims detective — Detective Jamie Schell — who will bring special‑victims training to cases in Canal Winchester and carry a supplemental general caseload to assist local investigations. Collins framed that change as keeping investigative work local: "So the guy you're getting, Detective Jamie Shell... he's also a trained special victims detective... he will handle every 1 of the special victims cases in Canal Winchester." Council members welcomed the assignment and reiterated appreciation for local deputies.
The presentation clarified that the sheriff contract under discussion is for a four‑year term; council and sheriff’s office representatives confirmed details and expressed mutual appreciation. No formal changes to the contract were decided during the briefing; Collins and council members said they look forward to continuing the partnership.
