The Lima Police Department is using new technology and programs to keep our community safe.
The Lima Police Department is taking a three-prong approach to keeping the city safe. Lima Police Chief Curtis Hile told us that they are concentrating on community policing, reorganizing resources, and information & technology. He is excited to bring community policing back to Lima. "We've gotta have a partnership in the community with the public and that means being present and successful in building relationships, because the reality is, when people know their officers, everything works better. It's about consistency, visibility and building trust over time. Officers get to know residents and be part of the neighborhoods instead of just responding into the neighborhood." Chief Hile has also reorganized the department. Until now, officers have worked three shifts. Now, an additional fourth shift has been added from 7:00pm-3:00am, "When we know that our call volume is higher, serious incidents are higher, more people are out, roadways are busier. It allows officers to get to calls faster, and gives officers the opportunity to spend more time with people. It's about us being available to the community when the community needs us more." The department is also taking advantage of technology and information to deploy smarter and respond more effectively. That includes use of a $200,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation to purchase drones that can be deployed at the first sign of trouble so officers will be able to see a live feed of what's happening before they arrive. They are also making use of cameras at the city's perimeter to watch for criminals entering and leaving the community. Chief Hile told us he's seen good results from these changes. "As we move forward, our priorities are clear. We're going to continue focusing on Lima, supporting our officers, and expanding efforts like community oriented policing, where they make a difference. We're focused on long term. We're not chasing quick fixes, but creating a safer, stronger Lima over time."
The Lima Rotary Foundation met Monday and selected this quarter's grant recipients. Foundation President Troy Elwer told us that they awarded $1,000 to the Star Spangled Spectacular, $500 to ARC of Lima, $2,500 to the STEAM program at The Hub, and $6,000 to the Marimor Legacy Foundation for the restroom project at its all accessibility playground.
The club treasurer’s report was not available at the annual meeting on April 20, 2026, so it was emailed to all members. At Monday's meeting, David Runk made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report. Andre Rudolph seconded the motion. The 54 members in attendance unanimously approved the report.