Meet Your Neighbor: New Woodville chief has been in the department 18 years

With 18 years on the department under his belt, Steve Gilkerson is Woodville's new Chief of Police.

“My kids think it's cool,” Gilkerson said. “They tell everyone that I am the boss.”

Originally from Northwood, Gilkerson moved to East Toledo in seventh grade and later graduated from Waite High School. From there, he went on to Owens Community College where he earned his criminal justice degree. Gilkerson received his Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy certification before joining the Woodville Police Department.

“Sgt. Gilkerson has been my right-hand man for the past several years. His dedication and job performance speaks for itself,” said Roy Whitehead, who retired as Woodville’s police chief in early February. "His promotion to chief of police is well deserved. He has always supported me in the direction of which I lead the department and I'm comfortable knowing he will continue to run a professional department.”

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Gilkerson’s first big case after joining the department involved a driver who was speeding through Woodville and flipped his car during a police chase. The driver took off on foot, leaving his two small children pinned under the vehicle. He then stole a truck from a nearby body shop and took off again, nearly running over Gilkerson. After a search involving K9 units and a helicopter, the suspect was arrested.

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Gilkerson served as a K-9 officer since 2012

K-9 Raider, a Dutch shepherd that joined the department at 11 months old, has been Gilkerson’s partner since 2012. Raider will be 12 at the end of March and will be retiring this coming summer. He will still show up at the office with Gilkerson but will be doing some public relations work for the department.

“I would like to add another K-9 officer after a period of downtime,” Gilkerson said. “It’s something that I want to keep active.” Adding a new K-9 will require deciding which human officer will be the dog’s partner, as well as fundraising and writing grants to cover costs.

As Woodville’s new chief, Gilkerson has implemented a new field training officer program, the initial training officers receive when they are hired. He plans to incorporate additional training throughout the year tat will allow officers to be better trained, prepared and, liability-wise, safer. He is also updating policies and procedures to become compliant with the state collaborative program which will allow the department to qualify for more grant assistance.

Barb Runion, fiscal officer for the village, is excited to work with Gilkerson and be there to support him as he settles into his new role as chief.

“The past few years have been incredibly challenging for law enforcement agencies nationwide, and I am confident that he will continue to adapt to these challenges with professionalism, dignity and respect,” Runion said. “I am confident that Steve will continue to lead by example as he implements a few changes and fresh perspectives to develop his own imprint in our community.”

New chief plans to replace outdated equipment

Gilkerson is also working to replace outdated equipment for officers’ everyday use and will cover as much of the expenses as possible with grant assistance, forfeiture funds and trade programs.

“We’ll definitely continue with things that are already in place such as Kickball with a Cop, Ice Cream with a Cop, going into the schools to read to the kids and Safety Town,” he said. “I’d also like to add some new community outreach events.”

When he’s not at the office, Gilkerson is spending time with wife, Mandy, and their children Breylyn, 16; Colton, 8; and Remi, 6. Describing himself as “very family-oriented,” he said he enjoys hosting cookouts, pool parties and hanging out with family and friends. A favorite pastime is riding his Harley along Lake Erie.

“Something that most people don’t know about me is that I’m a pretty emotional guy,” Gilkerson said. “I have a sensitive side. I also have a pretty strong faith.”

Even a teddy bear was used for drug trade

One of his most memorable traffic stops was a driver traveling from Indiana to Pennsylvania. Gilkerson searched the vehicle three times but kept coming back to a teddy bear in the back seat. Finally, he noticed that the bear’s seams had been altered, concealing a kilo of drugs inside.

“Steve and I really became close when I did my FTO program with him to get ready to hit the road by myself as a full-time officer,” said Officer Abi Harper, who has worked with Gilkerson for the past three years.

“I rode with him for two weeks, and in those two weeks I learned that Steve is someone that I will always strive to be in my career, and I tell that to all the new people that come into the department. His work ethic and dedication to the department and community is remarkable.”

“Steve is going to make such a good chief of police,” added Harper. “I’m excited to see where he leads the department and all the exciting things he has planned for the community.”

Contact Rene Dix at 419-307-0914 or via email at rene.dix@email.com.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: New Woodville OH police chief has been in the department 18 years