Martins Ferry Police Department

10/23/2026

Our very own dispatcher showing Martin’s ferry pride before kickoff against Bellaire Big reds!!

10/17/2026

The Project Forward Heroes Gobble Gallop is on Friday November 28, 2025. It includes the following events: 5K Run/Walk and 5K Competitive Walk.

10/17/2026

🏅🦃 THE WAIT IS OVER… OUR 2026 MEDALS ARE HERE! 🇺🇸🚒

We are SO excited to give you a sneak peek at this year’s Heroes Gobble Gallop 5K finisher medals!

This year’s medal is extra special, featuring our patriotic turkey proudly carrying the American flag and a flag honoring our firefighters and first responders! ❤️🤍💙

Whether you’re running for a personal best, walking with family and friends, or simply coming out to support a great cause, we can’t wait to see you cross that finish line!

❤️ Every step supports Project Forward and our mission of making a difference in our community.

🦃 Lace up those sneakers, gather your family and friends, and join us for a Thanksgiving tradition that celebrates community, gratitude, and our everyday heroes!

🏅 Who’s ready to earn one of these beauties?!

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

It is important to discuss emergency plans with your family to ensure everyone's safety during severe weather events. Proactively identifying potential hazards in your area and enrolling in severe weather alert systems will help your family stay informed and prepared.

10/13/2026

Law enforcement agencies in the Wheeling area are searching for 18-year-old Xander Scott Finley-Ball, who escaped from a detention facility in Wheeling on Saturday afternoon.

The Wheeling Police Department, United States Marshals Service, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are working together to locate and apprehend Finley-Ball.

Finley-Ball is 5 feet, 8 inches tall, has brown hair and grey eyes, and was last seen wearing a green hoodie and tan pants.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact 911 or the Wheeling Police Department at 304-234-3664

10/03/2026

The Purple Rider Booster Club is happy to announce that SPARKY is still in Martins Ferry after his long 5 weeks in Bellaire. We are taking him to Martins Ferry businesses until the week of the BIG RIVALRY GAME that is set for Friday, October 23rd at 7:00 PM in Martins Ferry.
💜🤍🩶 🏈🏆
Today, SPARKY visited The Martins Ferry Police Chief Vince West and The Bellaire Police Chief JJ Watson. The Bellaire Big Reds and Martins Ferry Purple Riders share one of the oldest, most intense high school football and athletic rivalries in Ohio. Despite the deep community dividing lines on game days, the police forces frequently put sports rivalries aside to keep Belmont County safe. The high school football rivalry between the Bellaire Big Reds and the Martins Ferry Purple Riders is one of the oldest and most storied traditions in Ohio prep sports, dating back to 1905. Recognized as one of the oldest high school football rivalries in Ohio (frequently cited as the 4th or 5th oldest in the state)
In smaller communities, cross-jurisdictional collaboration is vital. Seeing our departments seamlessly share resources, communicate effectively, and coordinate efforts sends a powerful message about your shared commitment to public safety. Your combined leadership sets a remarkable example of public service, maximizing the strength of our local law enforcement and directly making our neighborhoods safer places to live.
Thank you both, and thank you to all the dedicated officers under your commands, for your tireless work, professionalism, and commitment to working together.

10/02/2026

🔵 TRAINING • PREPARATION • PROFESSIONALISM

Over the past several days, members of the Martins Ferry Police Department completed their annual fi****ms qualifications and participated in vehicle dynamic shooting training.

This year’s training was especially significant as officers were able to bring back vehicle dynamic shooting training for the first time in several years. The training focused on maintaining and developing the skills necessary to safely and effectively respond to critical incidents involving vehicles and rapidly changing circumstances.

Our officers train to be prepared—not only for routine calls, but for the moments that demand skill, sound judgment, teamwork, and professionalism.

🤝 THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Training like this would not be possible without the support of our local community and businesses.

A sincere THANK YOU to:

🚨 Naylor Brothers Towing — for providing the vehicle used during the vehicle dynamic shooting training.

🎯 The Mull Group — for providing the steel targets used during fi****ms training.

🔧 A1 Industrial Resources of Martins Ferry — for providing the welding work on the steel targets.

Your support directly contributes to helping our officers train, prepare, and maintain the skills needed to serve our community.

We are proud to have local businesses and community partners who support our officers and invest in public safety.

🇺🇸 Train hard. Stay prepared. Serve with pride.