FINDLAY, Ohio (WLIO) — The City of Findlay formally welcomed its new chief of police Monday morning.
Chief Justin Hendren was sworn in, taking over the department following the retirement of former Chief James Mathias on June 12.
Hendren has been with the Findlay Police Department since 1999. Over the years, he said he has served in nearly every role within the department, including patrol, the multi-county drug task force, lieutenant and, most recently, captain after his promotion in 2023.
Hendren said the department already has a strong foundation in place, and one of his goals as chief is to continue building on it. He also said his experience across the department has prepared him for the role.
"I've held almost every position in the department, there's nothing that I'm not comfortable handling. I think I've earned the respect of the men and women of this department through my actions over the last 27 years. I'm very proud. It's still kind of surreal, it hasn't set in yet. I'm sure it'll take a bit of time for that to set in."
Hendren had been serving as acting chief since May 20.
