Police recognized for achievements

TIFFIN — Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly attended the Tiffin City Council meeting Tuesday evening to honor officers. He started by discussing the recipients of department commendations - Beth Dell – For her outstanding efforts in recruitment, strengthening our department for the future Detective Eric England – For his relentless pursuit of justice investigating internet crimes against children Detective Justin Nowak – For his exceptional contributions to the Metrich Drug Task Force Officer Marcus Somers – For his impressive patrol performance and unwavering commitment to excellence Officer Kaden Wuescher – For consistently exceeding expectations in patrol operations Sgt. Vern Keefe – For his invaluable work in IT services, keeping our critical systems running smoothly Pauly then shared the personnel who received the perfect attendance award, stating that "availability is a cornerstone of exceptional policing." Officer Alec Traxler is a first-time recipient Officer Andrew Stevens is a third-time recipient Sgt. Joe Feld – third-time recipient Sgt. Jared Watson – fifth-time recipient Officer Michael Moore – 12-time recipient and reigning champion He then announced that Officer Shawn Vallery received the Officer of the Year award. "With nearly 29 years of service, Officer Vallery continues to set the standard for excellence," Pauly said. "This is his second Officer of the Year award, a testament to the deep respect he has earned from his peers and the community. He is a mentor, a leader and an unwavering force of professionalism. Congratulations, Shawn, and thank you for your dedication." Madison Brady received the Dispatcher of the Year award. "In just over three years, Madison has become a vital part of our team, displaying professionalism, grace under pressure and an unwavering commitment to keeping our officers and community safe," Pauly shared. "This well-earned recognition reflects her skill, focus, and dedication. Congratulations, Madison." Mayor Lee Wilkinson congratulated the two and thanked them for their service to the city and its residents. Pauly then discussed the history of Tiffin's D.A.R.E. program. "This program began back in the 80s and it's undergone a significant transformation to today's society to equip students with skills necessary to navigate all the challenges that are there for them now," he stated. "D.A.R.E. was born out of the 'Just Say No' era when First Lady Nancy Reagan started that movement in 1982." The D.A.R.E. program was created by a Los Angeles police chief. Pauly explained that officers were trained to go into classrooms to teach students about how to resist peer pressure and how to avoid drugs. The lessons were lecture-based. "The thought was putting a uniformed officer in a classroom of kids and telling them not to do drugs that ought to be enough because of the authority of a police officer. We were wrong. There were a lot of really good things that came out of the D.A.R.E. program back in the 80s. It connected police with the community and it connected police with kids." "Kids saw that police officers were regular, good people that they could approach during chaos and during traumatic incidents. I feel that the D.A.R.E. program in the 80s and 90s was successful, but studies show that although the program did have a short-term effect on kids avoiding drugs, it did not have a long-term effect." Pauly explained that behavioral scientists then got involved with the program, seeing that students needed interactive and skill-based approaches rather than lecture-based interactions. Officer Chris Perry, who is one of two officers who have brought the program back to area schools, spoke next, explaining how D.A.R.E. now operates. "We do it (the program) so it is an 80/20," Perry said. "We make sure that 80% of the class taught is taught by students themselves. We guide the lesson and have them interact fully and truly so they understand the core concepts and the reasonings behind the ideas." Perry shared the program is no longer focused on just saying no to drugs, focusing on other topics like cyberbullying, making good choices, mental health and teen suicide awareness. Each grade has its own core classes and each one is taught separately. Students also have activities that they bring home and do with their parents, which Perry said helps to teach parents as well. The model for the program is 'keeping it R.E.A.L.' with R.E.A.L. meaning refuse, explain, avoid and leave. "You're going to learn how to refuse drugs, you're going to learn how to explain why you're saying no and how to say no, you're going to learn how to avoid those situations entirely." Perry said that D.A.R.E. no longer stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education and now stands for Define Assess Respond and Evaluate. Officer Alec Traxler, who is also involved with the program, then spoke. "The program is not just about teaching kids that drugs are bad, we get more in-depth,' Traxler said. "A lot of times in schools bullying can be a big issue, so, we can actually have those conversations about bullying with students. We also let them know that we as police officers can talk with them about bullying or issues they are having at home. Teachers can approach us as well." He said that the program allows students to deal with police officers in a positive way and in a safe environment, rather than seeing officers when something negative is happening. Traxler said the program is expanding and there are hopes that the program will be available to all grades in all types of schools in the area. Council then passed the following ordinances: 25-6: authorizing participation in the ODOT Road Salt Contracts awarded in 2025. 25-9: to authorize and direct the City Administrator to solicit qualifications from and enter into a contract with a professional design firm for professional design services for maintenance of the City's Sandusky River Wall and Rock Creek Wall. Amended ordinance 25-10: authorizing the sale of municipal real property on North State Route 101 known as the Louisa K. Fast Park by a public auction. 25-20: amending the 2025 Budget Ordinance 24-94 to appropriate funds into the Administrator, Police, Park and Public Works Budgets. 25-22: approving the transfer of rights of the Enterprise Zone Agreement for Webster Industries, Inc., and declaring an emergency. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 3, at Tiffin City Hall, 51 E. Market St.