LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - The city of Lima has selected its next chief of police.
Major Curtis Hile will be sworn in on Wednesday September 10th.
Hile has served with the Lima Police Department for nearly 22 years. The lifelong Lima resident and Lima Senior High School graduate began his career with the city as a park ranger in 2001 before joining the police department two years later.
He rose through the ranks and was promoted to major last year. Throughout his career in law enforcement, Hile has received numerous awards for service.
His Swearing in ceremony will be Wednesday September 10th at Lima City Council Chambers at 10:30 am.
Media Release from the City of Lima
The City of Lima is proud to announce the swearing-in ceremony of Curtis L. Hile as the new Chief of Police for the Lima Police Department. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 10:30 AM in Council Chambers.
Chief Hile, a lifelong resident of Lima and a 1997 graduate of Lima Senior High School, brings over two decades of dedicated service to the community. He began his career with the City of Lima on June 25th, 2001 as a City of Lima as a Park Ranger when he was sworn in by Judge William Lauber after completing Peace Officer Basic Training at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. He joined the Lima Police Department on November 10th, 2003. He holds both a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Management and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.
Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Hile has received numerous recognitions for his service and leadership. In 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, he earned the M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Award for his outstanding work in impaired driver enforcement. Promoted to Sergeant in 2011, Hile was recognized in 2015 with a commendation for his role in managing the Star-Spangled Spectacular event and later received the Traffic Safety Award at the Lima-Allen County Safe Community Coalition Awards Luncheon.
In 2021, Hile was promoted to Lieutenant, where he supervised third shift operations and served as the supervisor of the department’s Dive Team. On July 27, 2024, he was promoted to Major and assigned as Commander of Administrative Services. Following a rigorous civil service assessment, Major Hile was selected to serve as the next Chief of Police, effective September 12, 2025.
“Public safety is—and will remain—one of our City’s highest priorities. Chief Hile’s experience, steady leadership, and commitment to community engagement will help us strengthen trust, reduce harm, and keep Lima families safe. I’m confident in his leadership as we continue investing in training, technology, and partnerships that make a real difference in people’s lives,” states Mayor Sharetta Smith.
“Safety is built on trust and partnership. As your new Chief, I will lead with integrity, listen to our residents, and work together with our community to ensure everyone feels safe and respected. We are Better Together,” affirmed Chief Curtis Hile.
The public and media are invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony as Lima celebrates this important occasion and welcomes Chief Curtis L. Hile into his new role.
