Seneca County Sheriff's Office (2026)

03/11/2026

Seneca County Sheriff's Office Promotes Safe Driving Ahead of Peak Deer Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 2, 2026TIFFIN, OHIO – As deer activity increases throughout the fall and early winter months, the Seneca County Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists to remain alert and drive cautiously, especially during the early morning and evening hours when deer are most active.

"Each year we see an increase in deer-related crashes during this time of year," said Sheriff Fredrick W. Stevens. "A few extra seconds of awareness can make a significant difference in preventing a serious crash and keeping our roadways safe."

The combination of peak deer breeding season and reduced daylight hours often results in increased deer movement near roadways. To help reduce the likelihood of a collision, the Seneca County Sheriff's Office encourages drivers to:

- Stay alert, particularly at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
- Scan both sides of the roadway, especially in wooded areas, farm fields, and along creek corridors.
- Reduce speed in areas known for frequent deer crossings.
- Remember that deer often travel in groups. If one deer crosses, others may be nearby.
- Brake firmly if a collision appears unavoidable, but remain in your lane and avoid sudden swerving maneuvers.
- If involved in a crash, safely pull off the roadway and contact law enforcement. Do not approach an injured deer.

A collision with a deer can cause significant vehicle damage and may result in serious injuries. Drivers are encouraged to avoid distractions behind the wheel and remain focused on changing roadway conditions."Defensive driving and staying attentive are the best tools motorists have to avoid deer-related crashes," said Chief Deputy Charles W. Boyer. "We encourage everyone to slow down, stay focused, and make safety their priority as we move through the fall season."

Motorists who experience a deer-related crash in Seneca County should report the incident by calling 9-1-1 and following the instructions of responding emergency personnel.

For additional traffic safety information, visit the Seneca County Sheriff's Office page or contact the Sheriff's Office at (419) 447-3456.

02/11/2026

Seneca County Sheriff’s Office partners with Aktion Club on seatbelt cover project

Written collaboratively by Opportunity Center Director of Community Advocacy & Support, Amy Miller; Opportunity Center Advocacy Coordinator, Natalie Ranker; and Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator, Sheri Trusty

On April 8, representatives from the Seneca County Opportunity Center and its Aktion Club visited Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens at the Sheriff’s Office, and during that meeting, Sheriff Stevens shared an idea that could aid local residents with disabilities during an emergency.

Sheriff Stevens met with Opportunity Center Director of Community Advocacy & Support, Amy Miller; Seneca Opportunity Center Activities Coordinator, Joe Coleman; and Aktion Club member Reuben Villarreal, who will soon serve as the club’s president. Aktion Club is a division of Tiffin Kiwanis Club. SCOC Aktion Clubbers are passionate about giving back to their community. During the meeting, Villarreal shared some examples of service projects that Aktion Club has completed in the past. The group agreed to look into the possibility of creating seatbelt covers that would be a visible sign to law enforcement during a traffic stop or emergency that someone in the vehicle may need special accommodations.

Sheriff Stevens attended the SCOC Aktion Club meeting on April 10 to talk about his work in law enforcement and to present his idea about the seatbelt covers. The Aktion Club later voted to approve the project and fund half of the cost through fundraising efforts. The Sheriff’s Office covered the other half.

Now, the seatbelt covers are ready for distribution at upcoming community events and can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office and are available through an individual’s Service & Support Administrator for those who receive services from Seneca County Opportunity Center.

The seatbelt covers are printed with the words, “I have a disability. I may resist emergency assistance.” The seatbelt covers give a voice to people with disabilities who may not be able to express their needs, and it gives first responders the knowledge to better care for them.

“I’m very grateful that the Aktion Club chose to partner with the Sheriff’s Office on this project,” Sheriff Stevens said. “This will greatly enhance emergency response and help our deputies know that the person they are helping may need extra patience and understanding.”

The project is personal to Sheriff Stevens.

“I have a grandson who has autism, so I know how important it is to give our first responders that added information so the situation is as safe and comfortable as possible,” Sheriff Stevens said.

The seatbelt covers represent a collaboration between individuals with disabilities, advocates, and local law enforcement, with the shared goal of promoting safety, understanding, and effective communication throughout Seneca County.

02/11/2026

Norfolk Southern grants $14,042.00 to Seneca County Sheriff’s Office in support of safety initiatives in Tiffin, Ohio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce it has received a $14,042.00 grant from Norfolk Southern through its Safety-First Grant Program. The funding will support the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Drone Project, helping to locate missing and vulnerable individuals, enhance emergency-response coordination, and improve safety for residents and first responders throughout Seneca County.

This grant is part of Norfolk Southern’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves across its 22-state network. Launched in 2023, Norfolk Southern’s open-application grant programs are designed to support organizations working to further the areas of safety, sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience.

“We are grateful to Norfolk Southern for investing in the safety of our community. This grant will support our Drone Project and its mission to help locate missing and vulnerable individuals and provide responders with a clearer view during emergencies. Our goal is to help bring loved one’s home safely and protect both residents and the first responders who serve them,” said Fredrick W. Stevens, Sheriff, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.

“The Safety-First Grant Program advances community safety by supporting first responders, emergency preparedness initiatives, and safety education,” said Kristin Wong, Director of the Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact. “It honors those who protect our neighborhoods every day and aims to foster a culture of safety throughout Norfolk Southern’s network.”

The Norfolk Southern grant application process for 2026 was open through Aug. 3. More information is found on the company’s website.

About Norfolk Southern: Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a 22-state freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver approximately 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S. It serves a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as major ports across the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes.

Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

30/10/2026

Seneca County Honor Bus on the road with heroes again

By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator

As 23 veterans boarded the Seneca County Honor Bus bound for Washington, D.C. before daylight on Oct. 30, volunteers stood nearby discussing how grateful they were that local law enforcement provided an es**rt for the first leg of the trip, starting at the Seneca County Fairgrounds.

Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputy Clayton Nominee, Tiffin Police Officer Alec Traxler, and Ohio State Patrol Lt. Jordan Schwochow es**rted the group to the county line, where a Sandusky County Sheriff’s Deputy picked them up and es**rted them to the turnpike.

“We have the city, county, and state represented here today,” said longtime Honor Bus volunteer, Cindy Reinhard. “The veterans really appreciate the es**rt. They always say they can’t believe they do this for us.”

And Seneca County appreciates its veterans. Among the nearly two dozen veterans who took the trip was Tim Kinn, the husband of retired Seneca County Jail kitchen staffer, Janet Kinn. Tim served in the Air Force from 1973 to 1977, where he worked on missile systems.

“We put them together and got them ready,” he said.

Tim served in Korea as part of Operation Paul Bunyon, a joint U.S. and South Korean operation launched in response to the axe killings of two United Nations Command officers by North Korean soldiers.

“It was in the DMZ. We were half worried they were going to invade us,” Tim said.

William Savidge, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Army from 1965 to 1967, was also on the Honor Bus. He served as a cook with a tank company, which was constantly on the move. In addition to the dangers of war, Savidge remembers the deprived living conditions of war.

“What stands out to me more than anything was, we couldn’t shower. We had a trailer with a tank of water, but we could only use that for cooking and drinking,” he said. “I was dirty for a year, and I’ve never been dirty since. I take three showers a day sometimes.”

Marine Larry LaVoy was also on the Honor Bus. He is a Vietnam War veteran who served from 1970 to 1974. He came into the military with mechanic experience, so he was first assigned as a truck mechanic. He then moved to wrecker operator and eventually worked on F-4 Phantoms, multi-use fighters used extensively in the war.

“I was part of Operation Linebacker and Operation Linebacker II, which were saturation bombings of Hanoi,” he said.

B52 fighter jets often flew over the base where he was stationed, and during an intense campaign, several were severely damaged. One, too damaged to continue, had to be towed to base.

“I was probably the only U.S. Marine to tow a B52 with a wrecker,” he said. “It was an honor to get this guy to safety.”

The war, LaVoy said, had no winners.

“It was a bad deal all the way around. Nobody wins,” he said. “It hurt a lot of people, but that’s war.”

Although the war was confusing and traumatic, LaVoy is grateful he had the opportunity to serve.

“I was proud to serve, and I would do it again,” he said.

Seneca County Honor Bus provides free trips to Washington, D.C. for Seneca County veterans. The trips are organized by Toby and Dottie Colbert and Jenn Pahl, with the help of many dedicated volunteers, including six students from Old Fort and Seneca East schools.

“When the students get on the bus on Friday, they are kids,” Toby said. “When they get off the bus on Sunday, they are young adults.”

The bus will return to the Seneca County Fairgrounds on Sunday, Nov. 1, at approximately 9 p.m. The public is invited to greet and celebrate the returning veterans.

26/10/2026

TIFFIN HALLOWEEN PARADE 2026

24/10/2026

National Takeback Unwanted/Unused Medication Day Tomorrow

Bring your old medicine to the Sheriff's Office lobby between 10am-2pm and drop it in the drop box.

Take all the pills out of the bottles and put them in a ziplock baggie and throw the pill bottles away.

What is Accepted vs. Not Accepted

• Accepted: Prescription tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of medication.

• Not Accepted: Syringes, needles, liquids, or other sharps are not accepted.

21/10/2026

Sunday evening we had the honor of es**rting the two honor buses back through our county and to the Fairgrounds. This is a great event and we are always grateful and honored to be a part of this special trip for veterans.

-Sheriff Stevens

17/10/2026

Jacob Parrott becomes 7th Recent GED graduate at Seneca County Jail

By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator

When Jacob Parrott stood before a room full of people inside the Seneca County Jail to celebrate his GED graduation on Oct. 16, the moment represented more than just an earned credential. It was the most recent – but definitely not the last – highlight of a transformed life. Inside the jail, Parrott was given the opportunity to improve himself and open doors to a better future, and he grasped that opportunity with his whole heart.

The room was filled with some of the people who helped Parrott earn his GED. They included Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens; Seneca County Jail Case Manager, Grace Morehart; instructors Chad Kaiser and Melissa Blair of Sentinel’s ASPIRE program, which facilitates the GED program at the jail; and several jail employees.

“What you guys do here is truly amazing,” Parrott told them. “When you’re on the streets, you feel like you’re stuck. You feel alone.”

Seneca County Sheriff Fredrick Stevens praised Parrott as he presented him with his certificate of completion. Parrott was the second inmate to earn a GED this year and the seventh since Sheriff Stevens took office.

“Nobody knows the journey you took but you, but you lifted yourself up,” Sheriff Stevens said. “This will help you reach your goals when you get out of here. You can utilize this to open doors that were closed to you.”

Parrott came into the GED program with a strong academic foundation that helped him to quickly pass the four tests – in reading, math, social studies, and science – that are required to earn a GED.

“It took him less than a month,” Morehart said.

Kaiser said he spent a few weeks reviewing the material so Parrott could “brush out the cobwebs” before he started testing. Parrott was dedicated throughout the entire process.

“He was excited. You go at your own pace, and he’s been to every class,” Kaiser said.

Morehart, who put extensive effort into bringing the GED program to the jail, said she was incredibly proud of Parrott.

“He’s always positive in the classroom. He takes time to explain things to other students. He’s definitely been a positive reinforcement in the classroom,” Morehart said. “If he was having a bad day, he didn’t let it affect his demeanor or his attitude toward others.”

Parrott said he was driven to succeed to improve himself and to make his children proud of him.

“I used not being with my children as a crutch to use street drugs, but now I know that, even if I’m not with my children, I can still be a good father,” he said. “(Getting my GED) creates stability and can help me reunite with my children.”

Parrott is continuing to attend Kaiser’s classes, but now he will focus on college prep lessons. He plans to pursue a degree in sociology.

“I want to go into peer support, and I want to start my own drug program to reach the youth,” he said. “I can relate to a lot of kids with troubled pasts. I want them to have a better path than me.”

Parrott said he is especially grateful to Morehart, Kaiser, and Cpl. Barbara Brooks.

“Miss Brooks would give me words of encouragement. She’s always been a positive person for me,” Parrott said. “She’s one that makes us feel like humans, not inmates.”

16/10/2026

Two Honor Buses leave Tiffin bound for Washington, D.C.

By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Public Relations Coordinator

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office was honored, along with the Tiffin Police Department, to es**rt veterans on two Honor Buses from the Seneca County Fairgrounds to the county line as they traveled to the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania and then to Washington, D.C. on Oct. 16. Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputy Conrad Schlotterer and Tiffin Police Officer Alec Traxler es**rted the buses on the first stretch of the journey.

A total of 46 veterans are taking the three-day trip.

“This is the first time we’ve taken two buses,” said Jenn Pahl, who organizes the trips with Toby and Dottie Colbert. “And almost every veteran has a companion going with them.”

Among the veterans on the Honor Bus is Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Captain Joe Cunningham, who is taking the trip with his wife, Candie Cunningham. Capt. Cunningham served in the Marines from 1990 to 1994. He was assigned to the Security Forces and was stationed at Camp Lejeune and a Williamsburg naval base.

Capt. Cunningham said he “fell into” the Security Forces, which is parallel to military police, but he discovered a passion for the work and made a career of law enforcement.

“It’s basically law enforcement, so when I got out, that’s what I looked for,” he said.

In April, Capt. Cunningham celebrated 32 years with the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, and this weekend, he is returning to his early roots in military service as he tours Washington, D.C.

Also on the trip is Lloyd Creeger, a Navy and Army National Guard veteran who served in the military for 40 years beginning in 1972, with over 19 years of active duty. He and his son served in Iraq at the same time, which added another layer of stress for his wife, Barbara Creeger, who traveled on the Honor Bus with him.

“When he told me they were hit by something and had rocks thrown at them, I started worrying,” Barbara said.

Lloyd spent much of his service on a ship working as a hull technician. Although he didn’t choose to enter the military, he is glad he had the opportunity to serve.

“Like everyone else, I was drafted, but I got the opportunity to see the world,” he said.

Marine Butler Stephens and his wife, Robin Stephens, are also traveling on the Honor Bus. Butler served in the Marines as a helicopter crew chief from 1977 to 1981.

Butler played football for the Marines for two years, and the military gave him the opportunity to travel.

“I was all over Europe – England, Italy, Norway, and I was in Hawaii,” he said.

He is glad he made the decision as a young man to enlist.

“I thought that was the best way to improve my life,” he said. “It made me a more respectful citizen and gave me a better attitude for life.”

The Seneca County Honor Buses will return to a hero’s welcome on Sunday, Oct. 18, at about 9:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to greet them at the Seneca County Fairgrounds to show appreciation and support for our county veterans.

15/10/2026

Strong Storms Possible in Seneca County Thursday Afternoon and Evening

We are keeping a close eye on the potential for strong thunderstorms across Seneca County on Thursday, October 15. The Storm Prediction Center has placed our area under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather.

An approaching cold front, along with increasing moisture and changing weather conditions, will create an opportunity for showers and thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and into the overnight hours. A few of these storms could become strong, with damaging wind gusts being our primary concern.

While the overall threat of severe weather remains low, we want to remind everyone that fall storms can still pack a punch. With some storms potentially arriving after dark, it becomes more difficult to see approaching weather or recognize dangerous conditions.

Please take a few minutes to make sure you have a reliable way to receive weather alerts, especially overnight when you may be sleeping. Keep an eye on the forecast throughout Thursday, as the timing and intensity of storms could change.

There is no need for alarm, but it is important that we all remain prepared and aware of what is happening with the weather. Unfortunately, it is that time of year again and weather updates will be coming your way more often.

Stay safe,

-Sheriff Stevens

Seneca County Sheriff's Office

03/11/2026

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