History of Thompson Police Department

In the month of March, 1958, the trustees of the Township of Thompson decided to establish a Township Police Department. In this same month, Mr. Allan Wilbur was appointed as the first Police Constable. He acted in the capacity until January, 1960, at which time John Gross was appointed in the same capacity as a replacement. Mr. Gross was given the first "red" light and decals, which were used, on his personal vehicle. Due to the death of Mr. Gross in November of the same year, the Township was without police service until June, 1961, when James Fischbach was appointed to fill the position. Mr. Fischbach held the office until May, 1975, with the exception of a short period of time in 1968 when Tom Dewey was appointed as Acting Police Chief during Mr. Fischbach’s absence. During this period of time the first police car was given to the Township by Mr. Joe Sidley. A camera was obtained and a police radio and siren were purchased.

In May, 1963, a Police District was established and in 1970 a mutual aid agreement between departments was worked out. In this same year, a 1968 Ford was purchased and in 1971 a 1.7 mill levy was approved by voters. The first new cruiser was bought in December, 1972. It was a 1973 Ford 4-door sedan. Mr. Fischbach donated a base radio to the department.

In May, 1975, Mr. William Wholf was appointed as Police Chief and a new era developed with increases in Police personnel, drag strip security, a cadet program, and several community relations programs enacted. In October, 1975, the first full-time patrolman was hired. About this time, the new offices with dispatching service were established, and the development of a Police and Rescue service started to take place.

A new police station wagon was delivered and emergency equipment installed in January of 1976. In service training classes, the first of which was a first aid training course and the next an E. V. C. course, were started. A department review board was established and several appointments were made. They are Liaison Officer, Narcotics Officer, Investigation Officer, Juvenile Officer, and a Personnel Officer. Also a system was worked out permitting Cadets to act as Court Officers at Chardon Municipal Court.