Findlay Police Department

06/01/2026

NOTICE OF EXAMINATION – DISPATCHER
An open competitive examination for Dispatcher for the City of Findlay is announced by the Civil
Service Commission to be held at various times on June 24, 25, 27, 2026, in the Findlay Police Department
Training Center located at 224 W. Crawford St., Findlay, OH 45840. Only those applicants who
have returned their Civil Service Application to the Civil Service Commission before the deadline
date will be permitted to take the exam. Applicants are required to complete a Civil Service
Application.

Civil Service Applications may be obtained by accessing the Civil Service web page on the City
of Findlay website at: www.findlayohio.com/civilservicetest or from the Civil Service
Commission–Room 304 or Mayor’s Office–Room 310 located in the City of Findlay Municipal
Building, 318 Dorney Plaza, Findlay, OH, during regular business hours.

06/01/2026

NEWS RELEASE

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Vehicle Pursuit
DATE/TIME OF INCIDENT: 06/01/2026 at 0012 hrs.
LOCATION OF INCIDENT: Tiffin Ave./N. Blanchard St.

05/27/2026

There has been an increase in coyote sightings in the City of Findlay. The Ohio Division of Wildlife has been consulted and has provided the following guidance:

We regularly receive questions from Ohioans about coyotes, particularly when sightings become more noticeable in urban areas. To help address those questions, we’re providing the information below. While these sightings may be surprising to some, they are not unusual. Coyotes are highly adaptable and commonly live in and around urban and suburban areas throughout Ohio, including Findlay. Coyote populations are stable across Ohio.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive. You can also find more information about coyotes on our website here: http://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/animals/mammals/coyote.

What should I do if I see a coyote?
• Seeing a coyote—even in a neighborhood—is generally normal and not cause for alarm. Coyotes are naturally wary of people and typically keep their distance. If you see one, simply observe from afar and allow it space to move on. Coyotes are naturally curious and will observe their environment to assess dangers. Because of this, it is not unusual for a coyote to watch people from afar. In this situation, they are not “stalking” or “hunting,” rather, they are assessing their environment.
• If a coyote lingers or appears too comfortable, you can use hazing techniques to encourage it to leave. This includes waving your arms, shouting, or making loud noises such as banging pots and pans together. This helps reinforce the animal’s natural fear of humans.
• Never approach a coyote
• Residents can also reduce attractants by securing trash, removing outdoor pet food, and cleaning up fallen birdseed, which can draw rodents—and in turn, coyotes.

Are coyotes dangerous to humans?
Coyotes rarely pose a threat to people. They are very fearful of humans and keep their distance. Ohio has a long history of coexistence with coyotes, and conflicts are extremely uncommon. Coyotes generally avoid humans and prefer to remain unseen. Most reported sightings are simply animals passing through the area.

Are coyotes dangerous to pets?
Coyotes can view small pets as prey or as competitors, which is why supervision is important. Coyotes may view other dogs as a possible territory threat, whereas cats could be viewed as a potential food source. Pet conflicts are also rare and are easily preventable.
• Keep cats indoors—this is also very important for the environment. Outdoor cats are the top threat to bird mortality.
• Supervise dogs when outside, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Look for coyotes in your yard or adjacent area before letting your dog outside, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Keep pets close and use a leash. Accompanying your pet outside will scare off coyotes because they are afraid of people.
• Remove attractants around the yard to reduce the likelihood of an encounter.

05/26/2026

Tomorrow afternoon is the Findlay/Hancock County leg of 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics. The run will start at 4:30 PM and go South on N. Main St. to St. Mark's Church on S. Main St. with a brief stop at the Hancock County Courthouse. Anticipate short traffic delays in the downtown area while the run takes place. Please share and come out to show your support to our local Special Olympics Athletes and officers.

Join us tomorrow afternoon in celebrating our local athletes. The Findlay leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics will start at the University of Findlay at 4:30 PM.

Every step taken in the Law Enforcement Torch Run helps raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes, giving them opportunities to compete, grow, and inspire their communities. The Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics and symbolizes inclusion, courage, and hope. Come cheer on the runners, support the athletes, and be part of something that truly makes a difference! 💙🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏅



The Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $1 billion worldwide for Special Olympics programs and serves as a powerful symbol of acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

05/22/2026

Please help us congratulate K9 Officer Deke # C6 on his Retirement. Deke began his career with the Findlay Police Department in May 2017 and is retiring after nearly nine years of dedicated service to the City of Findlay and surrounding communities.

Throughout his career, Deke was involved in hundreds of deployments, assisting in numerous narcotics investigations, suspect apprehensions, evidence recoveries, and community outreach events. One of the largest drug seizures he assisted with was a joint operation involving METRICH and the FBI, where he helped locate multiple kilograms of narcotics.

Deke successfully assisted officers in locating suspects who had fled from law enforcement or were hiding. He also played an important role in violent crime investigations, helping recover critical evidence such as shell casings, other types of evidence, and, in one case, the knife used in a stabbing.

He had also assisted with looking for people who were at risk, such as when he located a suicidal person who had fled into a wooded area. The subject would not have been located without Deke's assistance.

During his service, Deke was involved in several successful street apprehensions involving domestic violence incidents, wanted felony suspects, vehicle pursuits, burglaries in progress, a barricaded subject, and an officer-involved shooting.

Beyond enforcement work, Deke was heavily involved in community engagement, completing hundreds of demonstrations and presentations for local schools, public events, and surrounding communities. He was also an active member of the Northwest Ohio K-9 Training Group.

Deke is hanging up his leash and will be enjoying endless treats and belly rubs.

05/20/2026

This afternoon the residents at Blanchard House Senior Living had the opportunity to learn about the Findlay Police Department K9 Program at their monthly Block Watch meeting. K9s Deke, Axel and Asa were on hand to show how they are utilized in police work.

05/20/2026

Mark your calendars for our annual Bicycle Rodeo. This years event will be on Saturday, June 6th at 9:00 AM. If you have kiddos between the ages of 4-12, this is a great event to teach them about bicycle safety and equip them with some safety gear. Click here to learn more about the event:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18BJhwg8af/