Portage County Sheriff's Office - Ohio

09/15/2026

The Portage County Sheriff's Office will be hosting two courses in November through One Face Training. The cost is $249 per person/per course and registration can be made through www.onefacetraining.com

09/09/2026

It’s been a little over a week now since the Portage County Randolph Fair ended, and we’d like to thank all our PCSO Staff once again for working or volunteering to make sure the fair was safe. Also, to our supporters who just about wiped us out of inventory of K9 and TRT Apparel… not complaining about that!! They’ll have more apparel ready for you at the Support the Blue Fundraiser on October 11th.

Many of you who stopped in the Sheriff’s booth mentioned how impressed they were with the building and the amount of room that was in it. Although we’ve given details about the acquisition of the Sheriff’s booth, some people who enjoy causing chaos are putting out misinformation AGAIN, and we will address this,… AGAIN. Remember, you can keep beating the same drum, but it doesn’t change the tune! Facts always outweigh opinion.

There are many business owners and individuals who support Bruce D. Zuchowski, … as an individual, as the Sheriff, and leader of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office. In a wonderful display of gratitude and support, a group of donors gifted Sheriff Zuchowski a building built at the Portage County Fairgrounds, for his use, as he sees fit, so long as he is Sheriff.

*Misinformation: Deputies are forced to work in small quarters at the Fairgrounds and not in the large Sheriff’s booth.
**FACT: The Sheriff’s Office Command Post at the Fairgrounds has been there for decades, through multiple Sheriff’s, and serves a multitude of purposes. It’s air conditioned (unlike the Sheriff’s booth), wired for Dispatch services and internet, has access to surveillance feeds for the fairgrounds, contains a holding cell, conveniently located near the mobile command center in case of emergencies, AND is the check point where Deputies and Corrections Officers stop in to complete their shift sign in/sign out process (see photo of 4 Deputies signing in for their shift at the fair, while a dispatcher sits at her post in the background).

*Misinformation: Inmates built the Sheriff’s building
**FACT: The building was built by an Amish crew (see photos). Inmates who chose to be part of the Inmate Training Program (ITP) were present during the construction of the building for vocational and educational purposes.

*Misinformation: Taxpayer funded building
**FACT: All facets of the building were donated. Donated means FREE! No cost was incurred by the Sheriff’s Office, the Fair board, Randolph Township, the County General Fund, or any taxpayer in any form. Again, FREE … (thanks to the following donors: Carter Lumber, Lakeside Sand and Gravel, Bender Construction, Thompson Electric, Purcell Construction, STK Excavating, Lamb Paving, and Mr. D. Moff)

*Misinformation: It is illegal for Sheriff Zuchowski to sell campaign merchandise out of this building.
**FACT: TOTALLY LEGAL!! Why? Two legally separate things are occurring in the same (privately donated = FREE) building.
-1) Official Portage County Sheriff’s Office Activity
-2) Sheriff Zuchowski Campaign Activity
Those two activities remain legal so long as those two activities are kept financially and operationally separate. Which they are and always have been.

We will continue to legally conduct business as usual at the Portage County Fairgrounds. Which reminds us,… our 5th Annual PCSO Trunk or Treat will once again be held at the Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds October 24th from 4p-6p. (Where we will utilize the free building to pass out free candy, where it’s free to attend!)

09/07/2026

08/31/2026

Official statement from the office of Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski:

On Wednesday, August 26th, at the Portage County Randolph Fair, an individual who is a recently convicted felon, and his young son, entered the booth of Sheriff Zuchowski, starting a confrontation with all volunteers, including the Sheriff, hoping to instigate everyone. Before leaving, the man stated he would return on Saturday to continue harassing the Sheriff, the Sheriff’s family, and members of PCSO.

This same individual made numerous phone calls leading up to, and during the week of the fair, to the Portage County Fair Board notifying them of his intentions to attend the fair regarding his personal vendetta against Sheriff Zuchowski.

Saturday, August 29th, this felon, once again, approached and confronted Sheriff Zuchowski. With tips received prior to his arrival, we were made aware that his intentions were to instigate the Sheriff and/or Deputies so that they would trespass him, put hands on him, or arrest him, in hopes to file (another) lawsuit against the Sheriff and members of the Sheriff’s Office. The vendetta of this individual has been years long, for his own personal reasons.

Defaming the character of Sheriff Zuchowski by falsely accusing him of being “drunk” is absurd! This is not the first time that this criminal has approached the Sheriff and falsely accused him of being intoxicated. At no time has the Sheriff sought out this person. This man purposely seeks out the Sheriff, and members of his office.

When criminals’ opinions outweigh the facts, it reaches a breaking point for those of us upholding the law and trying to keep order. Being an elected official, and an employee of a County Official, does not mean we are required to continue to accept harassment, defamation of character, and even death threats. There comes a time when we must speak up and put a stop to it.

This criminal apparently does not mind subjecting his own family, including his young children, to his antagonistic behavior. His own daughter attempted to plead to her dad, by calling out to him during his first confrontation. During the second harassing confrontation his family was not with him, however the Sheriff’s family was there, as were other families simply trying to enjoy the fair. Enough is enough, and elected official or not, county employee or not, this is beyond acceptable and will no longer be tolerated or ignored.

While the Sheriff does not need to defend the false accusations made by this criminal, there are numerous witnesses, including the Portage County Prosecutor, who can and have confirmed the Sheriff was not intoxicated or impaired.

Under the tenure of Sheriff Zuchowski, Portage County has become a much safer place to live. The employees of PCSO have seen the quality of this office improve immensely since the Sheriff was first elected. We will continue to protect and serve all residents of Portage County, regardless of dispersions cast by a select few.

Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski
Portage County Sheriff's Office - Ohio

08/30/2026

Last day of the Portage County Randolph Fair!! Last day to get some Fair food...Stub's Concessions has amazing popcorn if you haven't tried it, and the Horseshoe Diner is sooo good!! Rough Trucks are happening at 3:30 in the grandstands and then, ....that's a wrap!!

Congratulations, to all the 4H members and supervisors!! We know how much time and effort goes into preparing for the fair. Shout out to ALL the people who work vendor booths, too....it's a fun, but tiring week 😊

Enjoy the day!! 👍🇺🇸🎪
And remember, "See something, Say something "
Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski
Portage County Sheriff's Office - Ohio

08/29/2026

Happy Saturday!! If you're heading to the Portage County Randolph Fair ... we hope you have a wonderful time!! It's been a great week so far and we couldn't have asked for better weather.

We'd like to recognize all of our Deputies, Corrections Officers, and Dispatchers for working at the fair, over and above their regular shifts!! Also to our Administrative Staff and to Chaplain Burgess for volunteering their time as well.

Be safe, and remember...See something, Say something!!

Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski
Portage County Sheriff's Office - Ohio

08/28/2026

Happy Friday!! It's Senior Citizen and Veteran's day at the Portage County Randolph Fair!! Remember those Fair Safe wristbands we have?? They're not just for kids...if you have a loved one who tends to wander off, become disoriented in new surroundings, or panics easily, grab a wristband for them!! It's not just for kids!

They're FREE and have been available all week! It's a shame that a few ungrateful people have become unkind with comments on the pages of those who've kindly shared our wristband information....complaining without facts, again.
Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski paid for these wristbands....he didn't have to! It's getting tiresome when people take a good, thoughtful gesture and get mad because it's never enough for them. Life's too short to be so miserable all the time. ((A grateful heart is a happy heart!!❤️))

To those people, ... we have a different kind of free wristband at our booth that you might consider. It says, "Being Kind is Cool"....AND.....they glow in the dark!! 😉 We have friendly volunteers in there, as well!!

We've distributed Fairsafe wristbands out all week, and Deputy Burns has been driving a golf cart around handing them out, too!! 😊 Say Hi to Deputy Burns if you see him!

Enjoy the fair!!! 🇺🇸👍🎪

Remember....See something, Say Something!!

Portage County Sheriff's Office - Ohio

08/27/2026

It’s kids day at the Portage County Randolph Fair!! If you’re heading out today stop by the Sheriff’s Office booth and grab a Fair Safe wristband. Kids easily get separated in crowds sometimes… these wristbands can help our Deputies reunite them with you easily. They are FREE, and you just write the kids name and your contact number on the inner side of the wristband. If they are lost a Deputy will check the wristband and call or text you! Sheriff Zuchowski is all about safety, especially for kids!! Enjoy the fair!! 🇺🇸🎡

08/25/2026

It's Fair Week!! Ready for good times and good food!!
See you there!!🇺🇸🎪🎡

Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski and the Portage County Sheriff’s Office are...

08/06/2026

Octane Nights held in Ravenna on Wednesday was a great turn out! Owner Tricia, her daughter, staff at Mongoose Motorsports and her volunteers do such a fantastic job of hosting and organizing this event!!

Sheriff Zuchowski brought out his personal truck to display, and members of PCSO set up our tent and TRT truck in the Aldi parking lot. So many event spectators stopped by to purchase PCSO t-shirts, pick up badges, bracelets, and Annual Reports. Detective Hanna puts on a great “show and tell” of the TRT gear and Corporal Clouden brought K9 Hulk for a little meet and greet. Sheriff Zuchowski “deputized” some junior Deputies, and was also asked to autograph a newly purchased PCSO T-shirt!

The vehicles on display were phenomenal and the amount of people who come is impressive. To those who went out of their way to stop and personally thank the Sheriff and PCSO members for their service was appreciated… thank you!!

Great job Mongoose Motorsports for another successful Octane Nights!! Until next year… 🇺🇸👍🏼

Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski
Portage County Sheriff's Office - Ohio