By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
The Bucyrus Police Department just got a familiar set of experienced leaders.
Lt. Neil Assenheimer and Lt. Greg Stevens both took oaths to be promoted to captains within the Bucyrus Police Department Tuesday night prior to the Bucyrus City Council meeting.
“I’ve been mayor for three months,” Mayor Jeff Reser said before leading veteran police officers in their oaths. “One thing that has impressed me the most is the caliber of our police department. . . You’re a tight group. You put the community first.”
Bucyrus Police Chief Dave Koepke said the promotions were a long time coming for both men. Assenheimer and Stevens both took progressive exams that tested them on real-life scenarios and management.
“They’re going to be leaders in the police department,” Koepke said.
Assenheimer graduated from Tiffin University and joined the Bucyrus police auxiliary unit in 1998. He worked with the Cedar Point Police Department before joining the Bucyrus Police Department in 2000. He became a lieutenant in 2005 and worked as a K9 officer with Amigo from 2008 to 2013. Koepke said Assenheimer will be a leader within the department’s detective bureau where he will join officers John Seif and Tracy Keegan.
Stevens also graduated from Tiffin University. He joined the Carey Police Department in 1991 before leaving for Bucyrus in 1995. He served as a D.A.R.E. officer in 1997 and a school resource officer in 1998. With his vast experience, Koepke said Stevens will be in charge of patrol.
“It was a tremendous day for the police department and a great day for the city,” Koepke said. “It’s so important to have people and, thanks to the safety forces levy, we have quality people.”
The Bucyrus City Council convened right after the oaths were given.
A newly formed group, the Positive Seekers, introduced themselves to council and explained upcoming events they have planned. The group formed to provide positive recreational activities to residents and surrounding communities.
They have scheduled a Hee Haw Hay Ride from 4 – 6 p.m. on Oct. 25. The hay ride will have starting points at True Value and near Home City Ice. Release forms will be provided to participants the day of the hay ride.
Carolyn Shireman, President of Positive Seekers, explained to council that many say there is nothing fun to do in Bucyrus. She said they are here to prove them wrong.
For more information about the Positive Seekers, contact Shireman at 419-689-2761 or Joe Graham at 419-569-4177.
Council passed one piece of legislation Tuesday night. Ordinance 42-2014 made various appropriations for the Airport Taxiway project, refunds, and an insurance check deposit.
Council changed the Nov. 4 City Council meeting to Nov. 5 due to conflicts with the General Election that night.
A Finance Committee meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 4:15 P.M.