GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Galion Police Department has announced a new partnership with Galion City Schools, introducing a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) to enhance safety and support within the school community.

On August 12, Neil Assenheimer was sworn in as a Reserve Officer with the Galion Police Department. With an impressive background, Officer Assenheimer brings 25 years of law enforcement experience to the role, having recently retired as Chief of Police for the Bucyrus Police Department.

In his new position, Assenheimer will serve as the full-time SRO for Galion City Schools, furthering his dedication to public safety and community involvement.

This new approach to the SRO program represents a shift from previous years when the Galion Police Department provided an SRO with funding partially reimbursed by the school district.

Under the updated agreement, Officer Assenheimer will be directly employed by Galion City Schools while retaining his commission as a Galion Police Reserve Officer, allowing him to maintain full law enforcement authority within the city.

With this transition, former SRO Officer Alec Thomas will return to the Patrol Division, strengthening daily operations and improving efficiency within the department by reducing the need for overtime.

This collaboration emphasizes the ongoing commitment of both the Galion Police Department and Galion City Schools to ensure a safe and positive educational experience for the community. The responsibilities of the SRO will include:

  • Enhancing school safety through regular patrols and emergency preparedness
  • Acting as a resource for students, parents, and staff regarding safety, law, and conflict resolution
  • Promoting positive interactions and building relationships with students
  • Supporting educational initiatives by participating in classroom discussions on safety, law enforcement, and civic responsibility

The effectiveness of the program will be regularly evaluated to ensure it meets the needs of the school community and aligns with best practices in school safety and youth engagement.

Ryan Strange, Chief of Police for the City of Galion, expressed confidence in the new program’s impact on the school community, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships in enhancing safety and security for all.