OVERVIEW:

The Willoughby Police and Fire Departments are recognized as premier public safety services in the State of Ohio. The quality of the men and women of each department is evidenced by the overwhelming support of our residents and the skills of their leadership. Both the Willoughby Police and Fire Departments have responded with poise and precision to an increase in call volume, and our services will improve with the introduction of newer equipment and technology at our new police station. Both safety services have robust training and community outreach programs to ensure the safety of our residents and to keep us informed.

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From 2014 to 2024, non-violent crimes have dropped 49% and violent crime remains near its lowest level in 10 years, based on the FBI's national crime database, reported through the Ohio Incident-Based Reporting System (OIBRS).

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We recently broke ground for a much-needed police station in the former Meister Media building on Euclid Avenue. Thanks to the immense support of our residents, who voted 75% in favor of a safety levy. The decision to renovate the Meister Building was the result of a thorough analysis of several options, including adding to the existing police facility and constructing a new building for the WPD. Renovation was determined to be the most cost-effective way to provide our police officers and their administration a facility that meets 21st-century requirements for local law enforcement. The facility will include expanded training opportunities for our officers and a state-of-the-art dispatch center meeting all of the state-mandated NextGen-911 requirements. 

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Over recent years, call volume for the Willoughby Fire Department has risen steadily, and the WFD has increased training and collaboration with other departments and agencies to ensure the safety of our residents. We have also added 3 new firefighters through a SAFER grant who have been assigned to Station #2 at the north end of the City. The Willoughby Fire Department also received a benefit from the safety levy with the purchase of a new aerial truck. This truck was purchased for $1.4M and is currently under construction. The safety levy can only be used for safety services capital items, including building improvements and equipment. We take the safety and security of our residents very seriously. Over the years, while call volume has increased, we have had no reduction in Fire Department response times. We continue to add resources and advanced public safety tools as an ongoing practice.

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