Questions Arise After Lorain County Deputies Association Alleges Cruiser Repossessions Soon
LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — Serious questions are being raised about public safety in Lorain County after the Lorain County Deputies Association issued a sharply worded press release alleging that 41 patrol cruisers assigned to the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office are scheduled to be repossessed due to an alleged default on vehicle lease payments by the Lorain County Commissioners.
According to the release, the commissioners reportedly failed to pay more than $57,000 owed under a fleet lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management. As a result, the Deputies Association claims Enterprise is set to repossess dozens of cruisers as early as Monday.
The association says deputies have already begun removing department-issued equipment and personal gear from their vehicles in preparation for the potential repossession.
“How is the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office expected to respond to calls with no cruisers?” the release asks. “How can we efficiently provide safety services to our residents?”
The Deputies Association accused county leadership of placing politics above public safety, arguing that the alleged default directly threatens both deputy safety and the community’s ability to receive timely law enforcement response.
“Ask any law enforcement officer what they want, and they will tell you the same thing,” the statement reads. “We want the equipment necessary to do our job and an administration that has our backs.”
The association emphasized that it believes the Sheriff’s Office administration has been supportive of deputies, but contends that the commissioners’ actions—or inaction—have undermined those efforts and jeopardized countywide safety.
The press release concludes with a pointed note of frustration and sarcasm:
“PS. Does anyone have contact details for Uber?”
The statement was signed by Steve Fuller, President; Adam Trifiletti, Vice President; Matt Lawson, Secretary; Matt Schlilke, Treasurer; and Ian Standen, Sergeant at Arms of the Lorain County Deputies Association.
As of publication, no official response had been released by the Lorain County Commissioners regarding the allegations or the status of the fleet lease agreement. Residents are now left questioning how patrol coverage could be maintained if the reported repossessions move forward.
This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
