The Russells Point Police Department was awarded more than $100,000 to hire a veteran. The money will be used to supply salary and benefits to one police officer for three years.Russells Point, Ohio -
A dozen Ohio communities are splitting nearly $7 million in grants to hire recent veterans for police positions including the village of Russells Point.
The Russells Point Police Department was awarded more than $100,000 to hire a veteran. The money will be used to supply salary and benefits to one police officer for three years. As part of the COPS hiring program, the village must maintain the position for an additional year. Chief Joe Freyhoff says the department will hire Jerrod Hostetler who is currently serving in Afghanistan. Hostetler is an Indian Lake graduate and has been a part time officer with the Washington Township Police Department.
"He's a young man, 23 years old looking to get his career started. He's been kind of floundering like the rest of them-- an educated service member that can't find a job. So, we're excited to be able to offer him the opportunity to get his career going," said Freyhoff.
Hostetler will start after returning to the states in September. The department currently has just six officers-- some full time and some part time. However, since Russells Point is on Indian Lake the small town gets plenty of visitors in the summer. Chief Freyhoff says over the Fourth of July holiday up to 40 thousand people pack into the area.
"It's good to have that person who has that combat experience and knows how to handle himself under stress and can think outside the box. We're looking forward to the opportunity," said Freyhoff.
Russells Point was the only town in West Central Ohio to receive the grant this year. However, other grants were awarded to law enforcement agencies in Toledo, Akron, and Youngstown.
