Findlay, Ohio- May 19, 2026: Mayor Christina Muryn is pleased to announce that current City of Findlay Police Captain Justin Hendren has been selected to serve as the next Chief of the Findlay Police Department.
Hendren will succeed current Chief James Mathias, who will retire effective June 12, 2026. Captain Hendren will begin serving as Acting Chief on May 20, 2026. An official swearing-in ceremony will be announced following Chief Mathias’ official retirement in mid-June.
“I'm incredibly grateful to have Captain Hendren prepared to step into the position of Chief,” said Christina Muryn. “Over the past three years serving as Captain under Chief Mathias, he has been intentionally preparing for this role and ensuring a smooth transition in leadership. With his extensive experience across the department, strong leadership abilities, and vision for continuing to move the Findlay Police Department forward, I am confident he will be an outstanding Chief. Justin deeply cares about this community, the officers he serves alongside, and maintaining the high standards of professionalism and service our residents expect.”
Service-Safety Director Rob Martin added, “Captain Hendren has consistently demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to public safety throughout his career. His extensive operational experience, leadership within the department, and dedication to serving the residents of Findlay make him exceptionally qualified to lead the department into the future.”
“I am truly honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City of Findlay,” said Captain Justin Hendren. “This department has been my professional home for more than two decades, and I’m proud of the work our officers and staff do every day to serve and protect our community. I look forward to continuing to build upon the strong foundation established under Chief Mathias’ leadership while working collaboratively with our officers, city leadership, and community partners.”
Hendren began his law enforcement career with the Findlay Police Department in 1999 as a full-time officer assigned to the Patrol Division. Prior to joining the department, he served for a year and a half with the Pemberville Police Department and also worked as an Auxiliary Deputy with the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.
Throughout his career with the Findlay Police Department, Hendren has served in numerous leadership and specialized assignments, including Field Training Officer, Crisis Management Team Operator, Patrol Sergeant,
Detective Sergeant with the Hancock County METRICH Enforcement Unit, Special Services Lieutenant, Patrol Division Lieutenant, and Detective Lieutenant.
Hendren was named the Department’s Officer of the Year in 2003. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2007 and advanced to the rank of Lieutenant in 2020. Most recently, he was promoted to Captain in 2023.
He and his wife, Victoria, are the proud parents of six children.
