Be Well Event Offers Parents Resources on Addiction, Mental Health

Show your hometown pride by helping Hilliard police win!

The City of Hilliard Division of Police is participating in the Light Ohio Blue First Responder Photo Challenge. This is a friendly competition among Ohio police and fire agencies for the best cruiser photo.

Vote every day through Sept. 30 here. Hilliard is in Category 2.

The September contest honors the memory of the first responders who lost their lives in service on September 11, 2001.

Residents interested in learning more about First Responders Park will have an opportunity for a guided tour as the nation observes the 22^nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The City of Hilliard Division of Police will be offering tours guided by a police officer from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 11. No registration is required. The tour is free.

Members of the Hilliard police and Norwich Township Fire Department Joint Honor Guard will ring a bell commemorating the times the World Trade Center towers and Pentagon were struck, as well as the crash of Flight 93. The bells will be rung at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m., and 10:03 a.m.

Hilliard’s First Responders Park, located in the center of Old Hilliard, memorializes those who died on 9/11 and pays tribute to the 403 First Responders who died making the ultimate sacrifice for their community.

In 2010, a delegation of 20 individuals representing the Division of Police, Norwich Township Fire Department, and the Hilliard community made the two-day round-trip from Hilliard to New York City to escort home seven tons of steel from the World Trade Center.

The memorial features granite walls inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives, a reflecting pool, personalized pavers, a monument honoring fallen officers, and a metal sculpture made from the steel of the World Trade Center.

Those wishing to take self-guided tours can reference signs describing 9/11 artifacts that will be placed in the park throughout the weekend.

The Hilliard Davidson High School community will get to know a new face in a familiar uniform this year.

City of Hilliard Division of Police Officer Ian King will take on the role of school resource officer (SRO) at the high school this August. Officer King will serve in the position for the next four years.

“We’re excited to have Officer King join our team in the schools this year,” said Chief of Police Michael Woods. “His interactions with young people as a patrol officer have demonstrated his keen ability to build relationships, and we know that is essential in this role to create safe and secure learning environments.”

There are a total of six SROs working inside Hilliard City Schools. One officer is assigned at each of the three middle schools and three high schools in the district to embed themselves in the school’s culture. Officers also make regular contact at the elementary schools.

School resource officers fulfill multiple roles in addition to preventing and responding to school-based crime. Officers provide valuable support to students, teachers and staff through their everyday presence and visibility.

“We are proud of our continued partnership with the City of Hilliard Division of Police and our SROs. By having SROs present in our schools, we are enhancing security measures and fostering positive relationships that contribute to a safer environment,” said Superintendent David Stewart. “Building these connections between law enforcement and our school community is integral to our mission of creating a conducive learning space for everyone.”

Officer King has served as a Hilliard police officer since 2019, primarily as a second-shift patrol officer for the past four years. Previously, he served as a police officer for three years in North Carolina.

He is originally from Painesville, Ohio, where he was one of seven children and graduated from Thomas W. Harvey High School.

Additionally, Officer King is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp, in which he served nine years, ending his term of service as an infantry sergeant. He is married with two children.

Officer King said he hopes to build a rapport with students and staff by being accessible daily.

“I want them to learn to trust and rely on law enforcement for help, and to be there when they need them,” said Officer King. “When I was In high school, we had a school resource officer, so I know firsthand the benefits of having a police officer in the building.” 

“And as a father, I know the feeling of wanting my children to be safe and secure while attending school,” he said. “Having an SRO present in the schools helps to provide that feeling, and I’m looking forward to playing a role in that.”

Fun Facts About Officer King

What were your high school activities? Football, basketball, baseball, and class clown

What’s the last movie you watched? The Super Mario Bros. Movie with my kids

If you weren’t a police officer, what would be your job? Firefighter. I can’t believe I said that!

What was your favorite school lunch? Cheeseburger

What are your hobbies? Hiking, bicycling, and exploring Metro Parks with my family

Have any favorite sports teams? The Ohio State Buckeyes