Second in command

The Findlay Police Department named its second in command and promoted Lt. Justin Hendren to captain. Hendren began his career with the Findlay police in 1999 as a full-time officer assigned to the patrol division. Previously, Hendren served as an officer with the Pemberville Police Department and as an auxiliary deputy with the Wood County Sheriff's Office. Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn, left, swears in Justin Hendren as captain Monday. ANGELA LAROSA / The Courier Mayor Christina Muryn swore in Hendren as the new captain Monday afternoon. "Our safety services are top-notch," Muryn said. "I'm very grateful to you all for coming to serve our community." Muryn also extended her gratitude to the families of the city's police officers, especially Hendren's family, which includes his wife, six children and others in attendance. James Mathias was promoted to chief earlier this month, meaning his captain position opened up. Three dedicated and talented lieutenants were in the running for captain, which Mathias said made the decisions hard. Mathias said Hendren excelled in the interview for the job. He said Hendren has the confidence and dedication for the special job overseeing day-to-day operations. "I appreciate his dedicated service to the city. He's done an excellent job in all the ranks he's been in," Mathias said. During his time with the department, Hendren has served as a field training officer, a crisis management team operator and was the department's 2003 Officer of the Year. He's also served in various positions with the department including patrol sergeant, detective sergeant in the Hancock County METRICH Enforcement Unit, special services lieutenant, patrol lieutenant and detective lieutenant. Hendren was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and to lieutenant in 2020. "I've seen him excel when he was in the METRICH drug unit and moving up the different lieutenant ranks. It really shows he's taken on new challenges and has excelled in each one of those roles," Mathias said. "I think he'll do a fine job as captain." Hendren swore to support the U.S. Constitution, the Ohio Constitution, the Findlay ordinances and to faithfully, honestly and impartially perform the duties of captain for the city of Findlay. "I want to thank the city administration and Chief Mathias for having the confidence that I'll be successful in this position," Hendren said. "I would like to thank my family." Hendren said a career in law enforcement can't truly be successful without the support of their family because of unusual hours, missed holidays, missed birthdays and every other stressor that comes with the job. Justin Hendren's wife Victoria pins him as captain during a swearing in ceremony Monday. ANGELA LAROSA / The Courier "It really takes a toll on a family's lives," he said. "I've been very fortunate to have that support." Hendren's wife Victoria pinned him during the swearing in ceremony. "I'm truly humbled and honored to be a part of this organization," Hendren said.