25 years of service

TIFFIN — A retiring Tiffin Police Department officer was honored yesterday. After 25 years of service, Officer Doug Skornicka will be retiring from the department alongside his K-9 companion Scout. He was recognized with a proclamation from Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson, with additional recognition from Chief David Pauly and Seneca County Sheriff Fred Stevens, who is a former Tiffin Police Department chief. "From the moment he arrived in Tiffin, Doug has shown quiet strength and steady professionalism in the job, whether it's on the mean streets of Tiffin or in school hallways," shared Pauly. Skornicka signed with the department in 2000, before going on to become the department's first school resource officer (SRO) in 2018. He served as an SRO at Tiffin City Schools. Sheriff Stevens added to this, sharing that he was Skornicka's training officer. "I remember when the conversations around a SRO were first coming up, the schools were looking for a very specific candidate," shared Stevens. "So we did interviews, and of course Doug ended up being selected– and I just have to say how appreciative I am of what he has done for the SRO program." Mayor Wilkinson recognized Skornicka with a proclamation as someone who served the city of Tiffin with dedication, integrity and distinction. "The Tiffin Police Department's very first school resource officer, Doug Skornicka, has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students by providing steady guidance, mentorship, and compassion," said Wilkinson. He continued by recognizing Scout as well, noting that by having Scout on his side students felt more comfortable with Skornicka. "His loyal canine partner, Scout, brought not only a reassuring presence, but also joy and comfort– with the occasional tail wag," Wilkinson concluded.