TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Toledo Police Department will add more than 25 new officers to patrol city streets in the coming weeks, Chief Mike Troendle announced, as the department works to address staffing shortages affecting law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The department welcomed the 28 new officers from TPD’s 72nd Basic Academy Class and an additional arson investigator during a graduation ceremony.
Eight lateral transfer officers who completed an accelerated program also joined the force, bringing the total to 36 new personnel.
“It’s big for us, it’s big for our community, it’s desperately needed manpower out there,” Troendle said.
Toledo has experienced significant staffing challenges similar to police departments across the country, which have faced declining officer numbers due to retirements and recruitment difficulties.
“This year we’ve lost somewhere around 50 through retirements and so this graduation helps us boost back up our ranks, allows us to continue to do the things that we do in the community,” Troendle said.
The basic academy class completed a rigorous 32-week program, while the lateral academy offered an accelerated six-week program for officers with prior experience.
Officer Daisy Cano from the 72nd Basic Academy Class said she wants to remember the oath she took to serve the community and be someone residents can trust.
“Just being a proactive police officer and helping as many people as I can and being there on somebody’s darkest day when they need assistance,” said Officer Lexis Phalen, also from the 72nd Basic Academy Class.
Among the lateral transfers is Aaron Szegedi, who moved from the Columbus area back to the Toledo area.
“Just getting to meet people from all walks of life and it’s really humbling for me,” Szegedi said.
Troendle emphasized the importance of the new officers to the community’s public safety efforts.
“Always remember you’re here to serve and we need you desperately as a community,” he said.
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This article was published by WTVG on 2025-11-07 23:16:00
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