LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Lima's police chief will be hanging up his badge at the end of the week.
The city of Lima announced that Chief Jim Baker will retire on June 27, after 33 years of service with the police department. Baker began his career in 1992 and steadily advanced through the ranks, becoming a detective in 1998, then moving up to sergeant, lieutenant, and being named major in 2013. He was appointed chief in July of 2024. After his retirement, Major Zac Leland will serve as interim chief until either Major Ron Holman or Major Curt Hile is selected as the next police chief.
Media release from City of Lima
Lima Police Chief James Baker to Retire After 33 Years of Distinguished Service
LIMA, OHIO -The City of Lima announces the retirement of Police Chief James Baker, who will conclude his exemplary career with the Lima Police Department on Friday, June 27, 2025. Chief Baker was sworn in as Chief on July 17, 2024, following more than three decades of dedicated public service.
Chief Baker began his career with the Lima Police Department on May 18, 1992. Over the years, he steadily advanced through the ranks—earning each promotion through competitive civil service examinations. He became a Detective in 1998, was promoted to Sergeant in 2001, to Lieutenant in 2006, and to Major in 2013, before being appointed Chief of Police in July 2024.
Throughout his career, Chief Baker served in a variety of critical roles within the department. In 1995, he was selected as an instructor for a gang resistance program taught in Lima’s schools and also served as a departmental firearms instructor. As Lieutenant, he was assigned to the Investigative Services Division for more than seven years. He played a pivotal role in advancing the department’s capabilities in digital investigations—beginning computer forensic training in 1999 and establishing Lima’s first computer forensics lab. He went on to earn certifications from the American Academy of Applied Forensics and in the supervision of computer forensic labs.
Chief Baker is also certified as a master interrogator through the Foster Kinesics Interview School, and holds certifications in truth verification techniques through the International Association of Voice Stress Analysts. He received additional training from the North Coast Polytechnic Institute in legal updates, trauma-informed policing, procedural justice, and police legitimacy.
A 2007 graduate of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute’s School of Police Staff and Command, Chief Baker was trained to lead at the highest levels of law enforcement. He also served as a member of the Lima Police Department’s SWAT team, and was recognized throughout his career for his professionalism and bravery. His commendations include meritorious certificates for Distinguished Achievement (1998), a Merit Award (1999), and VFW Law Enforcement Officer of the Year (2001).
“Chief Baker has been a pillar of leadership, innovation, and integrity within the Lima Police Department,” said Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith. “His commitment to community safety, officer training, and investigative excellence will leave a lasting legacy.”
To ensure continuity of leadership, Major Zac Leland will serve as Interim Chief of Police beginning June 28.
The Lima Civil Service Board will conduct a competitive promotional assessment examination for the position of Police Chief on August 9, 2025. Eligible candidates must meet the following requirements:
Completion of secondary education
Fifteen (15) years of experience with the Lima Police Department, including:
Five (5) years as a Patrolman Two (2) years as a Sergeant Two (2) years as a Lieutenant Twelve (12) months as a Major
Possession of an Ohio Peace Officer Certification Possession of a valid Ohio driver’s license
Successful passage of the Civil Service Promotional Examination
