Celina Police Department adds two officers, promotes Balthis

CELINA - The police department welcomed two new officers to the fold and saw one of its own promoted to the rank of sergeant on Wednesday morning.

Mayor Jeff Hazel swore in patrolmen Connor Burr of St. Marys and Isaac Daniel of Celina and newly appointed Sgt. Kyle Balthis.

Burr and Daniel both recently graduated from the Wright State University-Lake Campus Police Academy and passed the state test.

Police Chief Tom Wale said the freshly minted officers are some of the best he's had the opportunity to bring onto the force.

"These are two guys who really have the drive and the ambition, a solid work ethic," Wale said. "They've been with us for several months now."

The city's new cadet program reimburses prospective officers' academy costs in return for their commitment to stay with the department for a certain number of years. While studying at an academy, cadets work as paid members of the police department.

The two men, when not attending classes at the academy, underwent training in software, completed maintenance at the department's shooting range and accepted with alacrity any odd job that came their way, Wale said.

"They will continue the field training for the next eight to 12 weeks and at that point will be completely on their own," Wale said.

Burr was previously employed at Mercer County Job and Family Services, Wale said.

"He worked there for the last few years, and he wanted an opportunity to work in law enforcement, and so he took advantage of our cadet training program," he noted.

Daniel, Wale said, worked as a Black Hawk mechanic in the U.S. Army for about six years and was previously employed by VanTilburg Farms in Celina.

Balthis, who has been with the department for 6 1/2 years, ascended to the rank of sergeant after passing a written test and oral review administered by the Civil Service Commission consisting of active and retired police chiefs from outside the area.

To prepare for the examination, Balthis had to read books on topics such as search and seizure as well as the Ohio rules of criminal procedures and the codified ordinances of the City of Celina, and develop an understanding of the Celina Police Department's policies and procedures and collective bargaining agreements, Wale said.

Wale said Sgt. Balthis has proved to be an asset to the police department, adding not only does he understand the job itself, but he has been put in positions where he had to make critical decisions on the spot.

"In law enforcement we are many times faced with decisions that you have split seconds to make and a lifetime to live with," Wale said. "He has proven himself to be very adept at making those decisions and making the decisions correctly. I do believe he has the skills to make a prominent leader within the police department."

In his new role, Balthis will supervise a shift, oversee calls and investigations, Wale said.

Wale said the police department also has one cadet enrolled at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy and another at Rhodes State Police Academy.

"The optimism within the department has increased," Wale said.

Still, the department is actively seeking additional recruits and/or lateral transfers from other law enforcement agencies.

"We have a couple (officers) eligible for retirement, so we could be hiring anywhere from two to four more people yet this year," Wale said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the cadet program can call Wale at 419-586-2345 or email t.wale@celinaohiopd.gov.