PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
COMMUNITY … Delta Police Chief Samuel Chappell and Special Olympics Coordinator Celia Wilson stand with community supporters before the Law Enforcement Torch Run, one of the outreach efforts highlighted as the department was recently named Ohio Agency of the Month.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Delta Police Department has been named the February Agency of the Month by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Foundation through its Sharing Ohio’s Best program.
The statewide honor recognizes departments that show strong commitment to community policing and public engagement.
The announcement praised Chief Samuel Chappell and Delta officers for using creativity and dedication to build positive relationships within the village. The program highlights agencies that go beyond traditional policing to connect with residents through service and outreach.
Among the efforts noted was the department’s role in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, which raised more than six thousand dollars for the Fulton County Jaguars.
Officers also regularly visit Delta Elementary as surprise guest readers and participate in Safety Village programs, where free bicycle helmets are distributed to children.
Delta Police have partnered with Keeping Our Girls Safe to host self-defense classes and joined ODNR in the annual Cops and Bobbers event, giving local youth hands-on outdoor experiences. The department also serves as a donation drop-off site for the Fulton County Humane Society.
During the village Chicken Festival, officers shared a booth with community groups, handed out helmets, and organized a raffle while helping lead the festival parade. Those activities were highlighted as examples of proactive community involvement.
The Sharing Ohio’s Best program is designed to showcase successful policing models across the state, with selected agencies becoming eligible for small grants to expand their outreach efforts.