2022 Law Enforcement Conference

While serving Cleveland for 24 years with the police department, Cmdr. Cross never met a problem he couldn’t face down with action, usually an innovative program he created to get results and improve lives.

During his time on the force, Cmdr. Cross spent 14 years on the fugitive unit, developing a tracking system that reduced arrest costs by 22% and resulted in the capture of 2,500 fugitives.

As a member of the recruiting team, he developed strategies and education programs that led to a 30% increase in minority applicants and a 20% increase on entrance-exam scores. In other units, he supervised 21 mini-stations and created programs that cut school violence by 30% and hate crimes by 40%.

But Cmdr. Cross’ goals weren’t just about putting numbers of the board. Cmdr. Cross volunteered as an assistant coach for the Greater Cleveland Schools All-Stars basketball team for 17 years, helping 12- and 13-year-old boys build friendships beyond their neighborhoods. He created a bookbag giveaway and Christmas toy drive; worked to develop younger officers; and helped lead the Black Shield Police Association, an advocacy group for minority officers.

With his retirement, Cmdr. Cross didn’t give up his roles as guardian and mentor. He simply transitioned to private security and has spent 14 years working with the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the U.S. national basketball team and Special Olympics teams.

Allen was called both a superhero and “the epitome of a servant leader” for her extraordinary efforts to bring together her Youngstown neighbors and local law enforcement. The Attorney General’s Office and OPOTA send condolences to Allen’s family, friends and community, for whom the activist’s passing on Sept. 21 has left a profound void.

A married mother of three and a mother-in-spirit to dozens more, Allen led one of the most active Block Watches in Youngstown as well as Crime Stoppers of Greater Youngstown and the South Avenue Area Neighborhood Development Initiative (SAANDI).

City leaders and law enforcement officers knew her well, not only for welcoming them into her home and offering to share home-cooked meals but also for spending countless unpaid hours organizing mass events that unite the community. She regularly planned neighborhood holiday celebrations, parades and dinners; block parties that topped 1,000 people; and donation drives and other help for needy families.

No fewer than nine police officers and a county judge nominated Allen for this award, with multiple submissions mentioning her work locating missing children, lost or wandering elders, and wanted fugitives; gathering information about crimes; and helping to calm crowds that gather at the scene of violent crimes.

Allen, a customer-support supervisor at State Alarms Systems for 24 years, was a respected community leader sought out by most everyone when they needed any kind of help.

Attorney General Yost is renaming this award the Victoria Allen Distinguished Civilian Leadership Award to honor her legacy. Read more here.

Chief Fowler has dedicated his life to helping the people of Wintersville, and his 20 years at the local police department are just one piece of his efforts.

Chief Fowler serves as a coach for the Indian Creek Chiefs youth football program and treasurer for the league. He serves as treasurer of the Ohio Valley Football League, a board member for the child advocacy center A Caring Place and a mentor for local at-risk youth. All of these good deeds create bridges to the younger generation and provide them the best impression of law enforcement.

But helping kids is not the only cause that moves Chief Fowler to volunteer. He is also a member of the Jefferson County I-Team for Prevention of Elderly Abuse and has been honored by the Adult Protective Unit of Jefferson County Job and Family Services for his efforts to prevent elderly abuse and educate the public.

Not one to go about life passively, he is also a member of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police’s Community Relations and Engagement Committee. And he serves as a firefighter and an EMT.

Chief Fowler puts his life – and his enormous heart – on the line for the good of Wintersville.

Chief “Jerry” Klue has spent more than 40 years educating prospective, new and active peace officers in basic and advanced training, as well as police and fire dispatchers and civilians of all ages.

The impact of Chief Klue’s training cannot be overstated. The certified trainer for OPOTC and the National Emergency Communications Institute has led train-the-trainer courses and helps 911 operators improve at their jobs. He has taught basic and advanced police training, college-level criminal justice classes and traffic safety for community members. He also helped to create the state training framework for school resource officers.

Since his early years on the job, Klue has pushed the importance of Crisis Intervention Training, which arms officers with de-escalation techniques and skills to aid those suffering a mental-health crisis. As part of the Summit County Police Chiefs’ Association, Chief Klue worked with mental-health experts to build a CIT program for all peace officers in the county, then made implementation possible by creating buy-in and finding a way to fund it.

As a result, he was honored with a 2021 CIT Law Enforcement Leader of the Year Award, one of the many times through the years that his dedication has been recognized by local, state and national groups.

After he became a detective almost 30 years ago, Comer developed a specialty for investigating crimes against children, which sparked a passion for helping those unable to help themselves.

A member of the Miami Township Police Department in Montgomery County since 1988, Detective Comer has become the “go-to” investigator for intense homicide, child abuse and sex assault cases. His meticulous approach and dedication result in justice served, as well as a respected reputation.

Outside of his work hours, Detective Comer has sought to make life better for youngsters. For seven years, he volunteered at the Dayton-based Ronald McDonald House Charities, serving as a handyman, organizing donations and doing whatever else the leaders and families of sick children needed. A manager called him the most reliable of volunteers.

For three years, Detective Comer volunteered with the Dayton Victory Project, a faith-based, after-school nonprofit serving disengaged teenage boys in the inner city. The detective provided monthly meals, with no regard for the personal cost, to 50 or so teens, and he stayed after eating to mentor them. These young men respected Detective Comer because he earned the right to be heard, and they listened.

Detective Comer’s actions show him to be selfless and authentic — traits that our communities need now more than ever.

Kaia LaFay Grant
Springdale Police Department
End of watch: March 21, 2020

Officer Grant, 33, died after being run down by a driver whom police were chasing.

Officer Grant was as natural a police officer as she was an athlete. She handled domestic situations, got victims, especially children, to open up, and mediated disputes with ease. She spoke three languages and knew a martial art.

“In eight years, I never once saw her lose her temper,” said Officer Michael DiStefano, a friend. “Calm breeds calm in our world — it’s just that sense she put out there when she showed up at a scene.”

The officer also was a goal-setter: She planned to get her master’s degree, go into politics, open a gym, become a great photographer and a better mountain biker, and never stop spoiling her beloved dog.

Anthony Dia
Toledo Police Department
End of watch: July 4, 2020

Officer Dia, 26, was killed when an intoxicated man he tried to help shot him in a parking lot.

“Anthony was the example of a fine officer. He never had anything negative to say about anyone or anything,” Lt. Joe Trudeau said. “If I could have 50 Dias, I would take them all, knowing everything would be done right and we would be a happy shift.”

Officer Dia died just short of serving two years with the Toledo Police and previously spent two years with the Mercy Health System Police. He dedicated himself to protecting his city, following Islam and loving his wife, two young sons and the rest of his large, extended family.

He was a fan of the L.A. Rams, loved pitbulls and enjoyed coaching Brazilian jiujitsu.

Detective William “Jay” Gast
Toledo Police Department

In nearly 33 years with the Toledo police, Gast worked as a street cop, in vice narcotics and on the persons-crimes and cold case teams, exceling in all roles. He was honored with a distinguished service medal and medal of valor for twice saving people from burning homes; for his help putting numerous murderers and rapists behind bars, he earned letters of appreciation from prosecutors, court officials and civilians. As one judge wrote in crediting Gast’s skill and dedication: “A case can be won or lost before the crime is ever committed.”

Sgt. Detective Matthew Mayer
Richland County Sheriff’s Office

In more than 25 years with the sheriff’s office, Mayer worked in the crime lab and as a dispatcher, corrections officer, patrolman, detective and detective in charge of major crimes. Regardless of the position, colleagues and community members commended his hard work, team-building and respect for all. Letter writers noted that he “simply refused to quit until a case was solved” and that he taught investigators to dig deeper. Mayer also displayed standout compassion and community dedication, as underscored by his work to establish a camp for kids with muscular dystrophy.

Judge Paul Herbert
Franklin County Municipal Court

Judge Herbert started the first human trafficking court in Ohio more than 10 years ago. What began as a fundamental change in the judge’s own viewpoint has led to CATCH Court (Changing Attitudes To Change Habits), a specialty docket and program that have restored lives and changed the way women are viewed by the criminal justice system. Judge Herbert’s pioneering model has been recognized worldwide.

Sgt. Mike Walsh
Summit County Sheriff’s Office

In his 12 years on community relations assignment, Sgt. Walsh has instituted more than 30 neighborhood watch groups; multiple programs to help senior citizens, including Knox Box emergency home entry; and Safety City updates to better teach children how to stay safe. The 20-plus other programs he started, among other missions, discourage teen drinking, help families facing tough times, loan life jackets and help people learn to protect themselves against fraud. Sgt. Walsh is so dedicated to his role, he turned down a promotion so that he could remain in his division.

Detective Joe Weyer
Alliance Police Department

A trainer since 1996, Detective Weyer led the transformation of what was a dirt berm and shed into Alliance police’s world-class training facility, which features a 360-degree live-fire shoot house and various practice ranges. The detective is committed to providing low-cost, high-quality training to better equip law enforcement, especially in the wider Alliance region. He accomplishes that by building and mentoring a community of dedicated trainers.

Cmdr. Deirdre Jones
Cleveland Division of Police

As Cleveland’s first LGBTQ representative for the Public Safety Department, Cmdr. Jones works to strengthen the relationship between police and the gay community. Within the police division, the 31-year veteran (the first woman to supervise the homicide unit) champions improvements in the hiring and promotion process to ensure  the division reflects the city’s strengths and diversity. The commander’s work has been recognized as a significant factor in Cleveland’s perfect score for two years running on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

Chief John Orzech
Sandusky Police Department

When Lt. Orzech was promoted to chief in 2013, community-police relations were strained. From the start, though, the chief made it a priority to build trust. Officers have been encouraged to get out of their cars and humanize the badge. And Chief Orzech has led by example: He volunteers in the community, including delivering food for Meals on Wheels and taking part in events such as Polar Plunge and Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. The Marine veteran  is a vocal proponent for ending gender violence and has become godfather to many children through his church.

Spcs. Jeff Smallwood and Heather Saidler and Officer Chad Koeppe
Cincinnati Police Department

Sgt. William Chad Knight and Officers Jeremy Campbell, Vincent Carter, David Denlinger, Ryan Nabel and Brian Rolfes
Dayton Police Department

Dale J. Woods
Colerain Township Police Department
End of watch: Jan. 7, 2019

Officer Woods was fatally struck by a pickup truck as he was setting out cones at the scene of a car crash. The 46-year-old was a father of three who had served 16 years with Colerain police. He had also served as a firefighter, fire investigator and police officer in North College Hill and Lincoln Heights. Colerain Township Police Chaplain James Love said, “He only got jobs in which he was serving other people.”

William L. Brewer Jr.
Clermont County Sheriff’s Office
End of watch: Feb. 2, 2019

Detective Brewer was killed when a man faked shooting himself to lure deputies inside his home, then fired at them through a wall. The 42-year-old detective, who was married and had an 8-year-old son, had served with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office for 21 years, including three years on the SWAT team. Sheriff Steve Leahy said, “This would be the guy I would want to show up if my family members were in need.”

Jorge R. Del Rio
Dayton Police Department
End of watch: Nov. 7, 2019

Detective Del Rio was fatally shot while leading a DEA task force team in executing a search warrant at the home of suspected drug dealers. The accomplished undercover officer was 55 years old, a married father of five and grandfather of three who had been with the Dayton police for nearly 30 years. Chief Richard Biehl said, “He left a legacy of service and sacrifice to this noble profession that is rare even among the best of us.”

K9 Cane
Logan County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: Nov. 14, 2019

K9 Cane was fatally injured in a training accident just two months after being certified for service. His handler threw a ball as a reward for the 1-year-old German shepherd, who gave chase. The icy ground made it impossible for the K9 to stop, however, and he slammed into a trailer. He died two days later of internal injuries.