West Jefferson Police Department

06/22/2026

🎣 Another incredible year in the books for the Krazy Glue Fishing Derby! 🐟🇺🇸

Amazing day of memories that will last a lifetime. Fishing is important to our community, it teaches patience, responsibility, respect for nature, and creates priceless memories. In today’s fast-paced environment, taking time to enjoy the outdoors and connect is more important than ever. 🌳☀️

Sending a HUGE thank you to all of the outstanding agencies and organizations that partnered together to make this event a success:

• WJPD Officers, and Parks-Recreation Staff
• Madison County Sheriff’s Office
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Ohio State Highway Patrol
• The Lending Tackle Box
• Krazy Glue

We are proud to serve such a strong and supportive community. Until next year… keep those lines tight and memories flowing! 🎣🐠

06/22/2026

🇺🇸💙 Our 2026 event shirts are here, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this year’s design!

This year’s shirt proudly represents the spirit of West Jefferson, honoring those who protect and serve while celebrating the partnerships that continue to strengthen our town in a big way. From community events to the Fourth of July Parade, these shirts are a reminder of the connection we share with the people we proudly serve every day.

During the Fourth of July Parade, be on the lookout for window launches featuring these shirts along with a few other goodies for the community! We know how much everyone enjoys taking home something special, and we’re excited to continue that tradition this year. 🇺🇸

A very special thank you goes out to Melodie Byford and the incredible team at Varsity Sports Unlimited for once again creating outstanding designs for us year after year. Their creativity, professionalism, and dedication truly help bring these ideas to life. We are incredibly thankful for the partnership and support they continue to provide to our department and community.

We also want to recognize all of the amazing sponsors who helped make this year’s shirts possible:

• ACE Hardware Distribution Center
• Powder Room Fi****ms
• Adept Products, Inc.
• Jefferson Industries Corporation
• Smith’s Towing
• London Guest House
• R.L. Parsons & Son Equipment Company
• Life in Christ Fellowship
• Varsity Sports Unlimited

Your continued support helps us create positive engagement opportunities and strengthen the relationships that make West Jefferson such a special place to call home. Thank you all for investing in our community. 💙

06/18/2026

A few spots left! 👮‍♀️🚔🚨

🌱🚔 Introducing the West Jefferson Police Department's First-Ever Safety Sprouts Camp! 🚔🌱

We're excited to launch our very first Safety Sprouts Camp for our youngest community members!

📅 August 10–14, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Daily
👧👦 Ages 4–5 Years Old
👥 Limited to 25 participants

Safety Sprouts Camp is designed to help children learn important safety skills through fun, age-appropriate activities, games, demonstrations, and interactions with our officers.

This is a unique opportunity for your little one to build confidence, make new friends, and learn how police officers help keep our community safe.

⚠️ Only 25 spots are available, so registration will fill quickly!



Register HERE: https://secure.rec1.com/OH/west-jefferson-oh/catalog.

06/17/2026

📚🚓 CRAM THE CRUISER 2026 🚓📚

The West Jefferson Police Department is collecting school supplies to help local students start the school year prepared and ready to learn!

Drop off Location:📍28 E. Main St. West Jefferson, OH 43162

From now through July 27, 2026, community members can donate new school supplies for students in our area. Every donation makes a difference and helps support families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

🎒 Items needed include:
• Backpacks
• Notebooks
• Folders
• Pencils
• Pens
• Crayons
• Markers
• Glue sticks
• Tissues
• and other classroom essentials

📅 Donation Deadline: July 27, 2026

Together, we can make sure every student has the tools they need for a successful school year. Thank you for helping us Cram the Cruiser and support our local students!

Elementary: https://www.west-jefferson.k12.oh.us/o/nes/page/back-to-school-norwood

MS/HS posted below.

06/16/2026

🎆 Fireworks Safety & Local Law Reminder 🎆

As we approach upcoming holidays and permitted fireworks dates in Ohio, the West Jefferson Police Department reminds residents to celebrate safely and responsibly.

Know the law before lighting fireworks:

• No one under 18 may handle or discharge fireworks
• Anyone under 18 must stay 150 feet away from aerial fireworks
• Spectators must remain:
• 150 feet away from aerial fireworks
• 50 feet away from non-aerial fireworks

Fireworks may NOT be discharged:
• Indoors
• At people, buildings, or public property
• During drought conditions, red flag warnings, or hazardous weather
• Fireworks storage is limited to 125 pounds unless additional safety measures are in place
• Fireworks must be at least 150 feet from livestock housing unless written notice is given 5 days in advance

LOCAL REMINDER – Ordinance 24-043

Discharging fireworks the weekend before or after July 4th (Friday–Sunday) is prohibited within the Village of West Jefferson.

Additional violations include:
• Fireworks in village parks
• Using fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Disorderly or dangerous behavior related to fireworks use

Violations may result in misdemeanor charges.

For full Ohio Fire Code regulations:
https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/state-fire-marshal/code-enforcement/ohio-fire-code

Please celebrate responsibly and help keep our community safe.

06/06/2026

🚴‍♂️ Our Bike Patrol Unit has been out and about this week connecting with the community!

Ofc. Soward was able to patrol throughout our neighborhoods, allowing for close interaction with residents, families, and especially our youth.

We’re thankful for the great interactions with both parents and children during these patrols and look forward to continuing to develop new educational outreach programs within our community.

We also encourage parents to partner with us by helping ensure bikes and scooters are operated safely and legally in accordance with law. Working together will help keep everyone safe while enjoying their time outdoors.

Thank you to everyone who stopped to talk with Ofc. Soward this week, we appreciate your continued support and partnership!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ptpoLlkdOCc

06/05/2026

🌱🚔 Introducing the West Jefferson Police Department's First-Ever Safety Sprouts Camp! 🚔🌱

We're excited to launch our very first Safety Sprouts Camp for our youngest community members!

📅 August 10–14, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Daily
👧👦 Ages 4–5 Years Old
👥 Limited to 25 participants

Safety Sprouts Camp is designed to help children learn important safety skills through fun, age-appropriate activities, games, demonstrations, and interactions with our officers.

This is a unique opportunity for your little one to build confidence, make new friends, and learn how police officers help keep our community safe.

⚠️ Only 25 spots are available, so registration will fill quickly!



Register HERE: https://secure.rec1.com/OH/west-jefferson-oh/catalog.

06/04/2026

The West Jefferson Police Department honors and remembers retired Lt. Det. Rodney Chenos, whose unwavering dedication to law enforcement and public service spanned more than four decades.

Rodney began his service with the West Jefferson Police Department as an Auxiliary Police Officer in 1974 before becoming a Police Officer, serving the community from 1974 until his retirement in 2011. Throughout his distinguished career, he held a variety of positions which reflected his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence. He served as a Police Corporal in 1979, Dog Warden from 1979 to 1980, Detective Sergeant in 1984, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1990.

As a fi****ms instructor beginning in 1983, Rodney played an important role in training and mentoring fellow officers, helping ensure the highest standards of preparedness and professionalism within the department.

During his career, Rodney was involved in numerous significant investigations which helped protect the citizens of West Jefferson. His investigative work included the Parsons burglary investigation in 1985, the West Jefferson Middle School burglary investigation in 1986, and a homicide investigation in 1986. His dedication and skill earned him commendations, including recognition for his work in the apprehension of an attempted r**e suspect in 1983. Ret. Lt. Det. Chenos recently assisted current detectives in a 2004 cold case with a 2025 conviction.

Beyond his service to the Village of West Jefferson, Rodney also served as a Special Deputy with the Madison County Sheriff's Office from 1987 to 2017, continuing his commitment to public safety and the citizens of Madison County for many years.

Lt. Det. Chenos exemplified the values of integrity, professionalism, and service. He dedicated his life to protecting others, mentoring fellow officers, and serving his community with honor. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, the officers he trained, and the lasting impact he made on the profession he loved.

The members of the West Jefferson Police Department extend our heartfelt condolences to Rodney's family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.

Rest in peace, Lieutenant. Thank you for your decades of faithful service. Your dedication, leadership, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

💙🖤 End of Watch but never end of memory. 💙🖤

06/03/2026

🐾 K9 Diego continues sharpening his incredible scent detection skills through ongoing training and dedication!

Yesterday, the team demonstrated how police dogs use the “scent cone” to locate hidden narcotics by following odor particles carried through the air.

As Diego moves closer to the source, the odor becomes stronger, allowing him to narrow the search and pinpoint the hidden location with precision. 🐕💪

Diego also wears special deployment boots that protect his paws from rough terrain and hot surfaces while helping protect paint, flooring, and other sensitive surfaces during searches. 🥾🐾

We are extremely proud of K9 Diego, Ofc. Salem, and the trainers who continue striving for excellence from the team! 🇺🇸