Statement from Ontario Police Chief Tom Hill on Sentencing in February 11, 2024

Shooting and Kidnapping Case

 

Today was a day of complete justice. The criminal thug who shot two innocent people was sentenced to 228 years in prison. As the Chief of Police in Ontario Ohio, I am humbled at the professionalism, bravery and courage of all of my officers. I am humbled at the bravery and courage of all of the victims that stood up today in court and gave survivor impact statements. Their bravery was inspirational.

 

I am forever grateful for the work of Richland County Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher and First Assistant Terri Burnside. I am gratefully thankful to the jury of the criminal thug’s peers who in wisdom and bravery found the criminal thug guilty on all 40 counts. I am grateful for the jurisprudence of Judge Naumoff and his wisdom. I am grateful for the leadership of Sheriff Steve Sheldon and the professionalism of his deputies and court staff through this process. I am grateful for Mayor Kris Knapp, Service Director Adam Gongwer and the entire Ontario City Council for the unwavering support of my department.

 

I am so excited to announce Ohio Legislative Bill 229. Introduced by our own Mark Romanchuck which establishes a Law Enforcement Purple Heart award in Ohio for all Law Enforcement personnel seriously wounded in the line of duty.

 

It establishes a special plate and fee waiver for our brave blue warriors. This is because of the bravery of Ofc. Dylan Bailey, Ofc. Joshua Rivers and Lt. Jeromie Barnhart. Ohio has officially stepped up to recognize the heroism of their law enforcement officers. It is also a solemn reminder of all of our blue warriors who have paid the ultimate sacrifice who gave their last breath in the protection of their community.

 

Today was a good day. It was a collaboration of good against evil. I counted myself lucky as I looked around at a court filled with honorable and brave men and women of law enforcement.

 

Finally, I wanted to say thank you to our family members who hold it all together. Our Wives, Husbands, Children, our Moms and Dads who give their treasure every day to stand the line between the good and the evil of this world.

 

At the National Law Enforcement monument in Washington, D.C., it is inscribed these words of all of our heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Inscribed it reads: “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes. It is how they lived.”

 

Thank You to all of our law enforcement heroes who go out every day and put everything on the line. You are all my heroes. Because of how You live.

 

Chief Tom Hill

Ontario Police Department