Retirements Changing WPD Landscape

DIVISION OF POLICE

RETIREMENTS

CHANGING WPD LANDSCAPE

Some familiar faces at the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) are celebrating their retirements in the first quarter of 2021. With their departures, new officers* are joining the ranks. Individually, the retirees have spent the largest portions of their professional careers devoted to Westerville’s public safety.

Captain Tracey Myers was the first to retire in January, but for a different reason than originally planned. Although Capt. Myers was eligible for retirement, he departed a few weeks early so that WPD could welcome his son, former Union County Sheriff’s Deputy Curtis Myers. The elder Myers has been with WPD for 31 years, having served as a supervisor in all WPD Bureaus: Patrol, Investigations and Community Services, before his last promotion to Captain in 2018.

“My family has been deeply committed to the community of Westerville; it took all of us to live the life of a police officer for 36 years,” said Capt. Myers. “I’m really just proud that that commitment will be carried on throughout the career of my son, Curtis, and happy to know my grandkids will get to be a part of the Westerville PD family.”

Chief Charles Chandler says Capt. Myers has had a major impact on the agency and its officers, particularly when it comes to leadership and implementing technology inside the organization. “Capt. Myers has taken the lead on numerous technology projects, and he has an excellent working relationship with the City departments and teams,” said Chief Chandler. “His knowledge and leadership specifically will be a great loss to the agency and the City.”

When it comes to finding himself with more time at home, Capt. Myers, who also serves on the Centerburg School District Board of Trustees, is expected to find plenty of projects on his land in Knox County.

“My wife Angie is starting a list,” said Capt. Myers. “I’ll try retirement for a little while and then see what’s next.”

Joining Capt. Myers in retirement will be Sgt. Anthony Rudd and Sgt. Jack Johnson. Sgts. Rudd and Johnson will be leaving supervisor roles in Patrol. Chief Chandler says their retirements have created opportunities, which has lined up promotions for long-time WPD officers including Assistant Chief Steve Fridley (promoted from Lieutenant), Lt. Justin Alloway (promoted from Sgt.) and several others.

*New WPD hires include Officer Spencer Allen (son of Officer Gary Allen, who retired from WPD in 2018), Officer Curtis Myers and Officer Brandon Mueller. Officer Lawrence Tucker and Officer Zachary Rome were hired late last year.

Chief Chandler and WPD officers and staff members salute Capt. Myers on January 8, his final day in office.