Cortez's first year productive

FINDLAY — The Hancock County Sheriff's Office responded to 32,149 calls for service in 2025, an increase of 3,481 from the previous year, according to a recently released annual report. Sheriff Michael Cortez, who took office at the start of the year after the retirement of longtime Sheriff Michael Heldman, marked his first year with several operational changes and rising service demands. Deputies conducted 4,214 traffic stops last year and investigated 1,421 criminal cases. They also handled 277 reports of OVI and reckless operation. County dispatchers fielded 10,072 emergency calls in 2025. A 2024 report listed 63,146 total phone calls but did not specify how many were 911 calls. The corrections division reported an average daily inmate population of 77, up from 70 in 2024. The Hancock County Justice Center housed 1,471 individuals over the course of the year, a decrease of 108 from the previous year and served 77,518 meals. The report highlights several initiatives launched in 2025, including: • Release of the Hancock County Sheriff App to improve communication with residents• Expanded training for all staff• Creation of two internal committees to recognize employee service• Deployment of deputies to target specific criminal and traffic issues through data-driven strategies• Implementation of cybersecurity policy Looking ahead, the sheriff's office plans to focus on proactive enforcement and investigations, continued transparency, enhanced mental-health policies for staff, reactivation of the K-9 program and development of future leadership. Cortez described the year as productive but emphasized ongoing work. "The first year is about setting standards, building momentum and being honest about the work still in front of us," he said.