- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Police
- Police Department History
Police Department History
In the early days of the Police Department, there was a marshal, authorized to preserve order, and a deputy, a person appointed to work for the Marshall and carry out his orders. Today the city’s Police Department includes a staff of almost 50 people to protect and serve the City of Highland Heights. Here, we celebrate a history of safety in our city.
Past Police Chiefs
1938
The first Police Chief was appointed and served until 1950.
1948
City Council passed an ordinance employing a part time police officer at a salary of $150 per month.
1955
Ken Meyer became the first part-time policeman and eventually became the first full-time policeman.
1970
The Police Department had 11 officers including a chief, lieutenant, 2 sergeants and 7 full-time patrolmen.
1977
The position of dispatcher was established.
1980
The Police Department had 16 officers, including a chief, lieutenant, 4 sergeants, 10 full time patrolmen as well as 3 full-time dispatchers, 2 administrative office personnel and 4 part-time patrolmen.
1984
The Police Department moved into the present Police and Fire Department facility, which includes a 5-day jail facility located in the Police Station.
1991
Department had 20 officers, that included chief, lieutenant, 5 sergeants, 13 full-time patrolmen, as well as 4 full-time dispatchers that allowed for 24/7 radio coverage for the city.
2001-2006
Police Department is able to keep up with the newest law enforcement technology with the purchase of Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) computers in vehicles, as well as in-car dash cameras, video conferencing with Lyndhurst Municipal Court and enhanced Emergency 9-1-1 system.
2007
Department is certified by the State of Ohio to operate its Jail as a 12-day facility, which averages 400 prisoners annually.
2008-2016
Department employs 49 people, including:
Past Police Chiefs
- 1990-Present: James Cook
- 1973-1990: Keith Woodie
- 1950-1973: John Herman
- 1938-1950: Fay Dalrymple
1938
The first Police Chief was appointed and served until 1950.
1948
City Council passed an ordinance employing a part time police officer at a salary of $150 per month.
1955
Ken Meyer became the first part-time policeman and eventually became the first full-time policeman.
1970
The Police Department had 11 officers including a chief, lieutenant, 2 sergeants and 7 full-time patrolmen.
1977
The position of dispatcher was established.
1980
The Police Department had 16 officers, including a chief, lieutenant, 4 sergeants, 10 full time patrolmen as well as 3 full-time dispatchers, 2 administrative office personnel and 4 part-time patrolmen.
1984
The Police Department moved into the present Police and Fire Department facility, which includes a 5-day jail facility located in the Police Station.
1991
Department had 20 officers, that included chief, lieutenant, 5 sergeants, 13 full-time patrolmen, as well as 4 full-time dispatchers that allowed for 24/7 radio coverage for the city.
2001-2006
Police Department is able to keep up with the newest law enforcement technology with the purchase of Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) computers in vehicles, as well as in-car dash cameras, video conferencing with Lyndhurst Municipal Court and enhanced Emergency 9-1-1 system.
2007
Department is certified by the State of Ohio to operate its Jail as a 12-day facility, which averages 400 prisoners annually.
2008-2016
Department employs 49 people, including:
- The chief
- Lieutenant
- 5 sergeants
- 16 full-time patrolmen
- 4 full-time dispatchers
- 3 administrative personnel
- 3 part-time dispatchers
- 3 part-time patrolmen
- 8 auxiliary officers
- 6 school crossing guards