Longtime Findlay officer named new chief

FINDLAY — Findlay police Cpt. Justin Hendren has been named the next chief of the Findlay Police Department. Outgoing Chief James Mathias will retire June 12. Hendren will serve as acting chief until then and is scheduled to be sworn in mid-June. According to a city of Findlay release, Hendren started his career with FPD in 1999 as a patrol officer. He previously spent time with the Pemberville Police Department and Wood County Sheriff's Office. In the last 27 years, Hendren has held a variety of roles, including field training officer and crisis management team operator. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007, serving in both the patrol and detective divisions which included time with the Hancock County METRICH Enforcement Unit. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2020, working in special services, patrol and detective divisions and was named captain in 2023. "I am truly honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the next chief of police for the city of Findlay," Hendren said. "I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established under Chief Mathias' leadership while working collaboratively with our officers, city leadership and community partners." Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn said she is confident in Hendren's leadership. "With his extensive experience across the department, strong leadership abilities and vision for continuing to move the Findlay Police Department forward, I am confident he will be an outstanding chief," Muryn said. "(Hendren) cares deeply about this community, the officers he serves alongside and maintaining the high standards of professionalism and service our residents expect."