The Strongsville Shield: 5 Cutting-Edge Ways The City Of Strongsville Police Department Is Transforming Public Safety In 2025

The City of Strongsville Police Department (SPD) is setting a new standard for municipal law enforcement in Northeast Ohio, leveraging significant federal funding and advanced technology to enhance public safety as of December 17, 2025. The department’s proactive approach, led by Chief Thomas O'Deens, focuses heavily on community engagement, officer professional development, and strategic crime reduction, moving beyond traditional policing models to create a truly integrated "Strongsville Shield" against emerging threats. The commitment to a fresh, professional, and compassionate service model is evident in their recent grant acquisitions and technological upgrades, ensuring residents and businesses benefit from one of the most forward-thinking police forces in the state.

This deep dive explores the most current and critical updates from the SPD, detailing the command staff leading the charge, the multi-million dollar investments secured to bolster personnel, and the innovative programs—including an expanded drone unit—that are redefining what it means to be a safe community in the mid-2020s. From recognizing outstanding officers like Detective Steven Vanek to implementing comprehensive anti-gang initiatives, the Strongsville Police Department continues to evolve its service delivery to meet the complex needs of its growing population.

Strongsville Police Department: Command Staff and Biography

The leadership of the Strongsville Police Department is composed of seasoned professionals dedicated to the department's core values: Quality Service, Professionalism, Integrity, and Compassion. The administration oversees a wide range of divisions, including Patrol, Investigations, and Support Services, ensuring a cohesive and effective law enforcement presence across the entire City of Strongsville. The current leadership is focused on transparency and continuous improvement, as highlighted in the release of the 2024 Year End Report.

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Key Personnel and Leadership Profile

• Chief of Police: Thomas O'Deens
  Chief O'Deens is the principal leader of the Strongsville Police Department. He is responsible for all administrative, operational, and strategic planning within the department. His tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on leveraging technology and securing external funding to improve staffing levels and operational efficiency.
• Deputy Chief - Field Operations: John Janowski
  Deputy Chief Janowski oversees the daily field operations, which includes the uniformed patrol division, traffic enforcement, and immediate response to incidents. His role is critical in ensuring swift and professional service delivery across Strongsville’s geographical area.
• Deputy Chief Zacharyasz
  Deputy Chief Zacharyasz is associated with the department's vital Chaplain Program, which provides support and counseling to officers, staff, and community members during times of crisis or personal need.
• Detective Steven Vanek: 2024 Police Officer of the Year
  Detective Vanek was honored as the 2024 Knights of Columbus Police Officer of the Year for the City of Strongsville, recognizing his exceptional service and dedication to the investigative division.
• Officer Berry
  Officer Berry was also recently recognized as a Police Officer of the Year, underscoring the department's commitment to acknowledging outstanding individual contributions to public safety.

The $1.6 Million Staffing Surge: Grant-Fueled Expansion

A major development for the Strongsville Police Department is the successful acquisition of a substantial grant aimed at boosting its personnel and operational capacity. This financial injection is a direct result of strategic planning and a commitment to maintaining low response times and high service quality. This grant will have a lasting impact on the city's ability to combat violent crime and enhance overall community security.

Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Program Grant Details

The Strongsville Police Department was awarded a significant sum of $1,620,514.87 through the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Program Grant. This crucial funding is specifically earmarked for a major staffing increase, ensuring the department can handle the city's growing demands and maintain its high standards of service.

The grant will allow the SPD to hire:

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• Three (3) full-time police officers to increase patrol presence and response capabilities.
• Five (5) full-time dispatchers to improve the efficiency and speed of emergency call handling and resource deployment.

This staffing surge is a direct investment in Strongsville’s safety infrastructure, enabling officers to engage more frequently in proactive policing and community-building efforts, rather than being solely reactive to incidents. The addition of new dispatchers is also a critical component, as the communications center is the lifeline of emergency services, ensuring accurate and timely assistance is sent to residents when they need it most.

Technological Edge and Community-Focused Initiatives

The Strongsville Police Department is not just growing its numbers; it is also expanding its technological and community outreach footprint. The department actively utilizes modern tools and programs to increase situational awareness, solve complex cases, and build stronger relationships with the Strongsville community.

The Expanded Drone Program Capabilities

In 2024, the Strongsville Police Department significantly expanded the capabilities of its drone program. This advanced technology provides the department with a better, elevated view of ongoing situations, which is invaluable for search and rescue operations, tracking suspects, assessing accident scenes, and monitoring large public events. The drone unit coordinator and the entire team are focused on utilizing this tool responsibly and effectively to enhance safety forces.

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The use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) represents a commitment to modern law enforcement practices. These systems allow officers to gather critical, real-time intelligence without putting personnel at unnecessary risk, making the SPD a leader in the adoption of smart policing technologies in Cuyahoga County.

Key Community and Safety Programs

The SPD's commitment to community policing is reflected in several long-standing and new initiatives designed to foster positive interactions and address specific public health concerns:

• Sharing Ohio's Best Program: This heartwarming initiative sees uniformed patrol officers stopping by to celebrate community milestones, such as attending children's birthday parties. Programs like this build trust and positive relationships between officers and the city's youngest residents.
• Drug Drop Box: The department maintains a secure drop-off box for unwanted or expired medication, providing a safe and anonymous way for residents to dispose of pharmaceuticals, which is a key component in the fight against opioid abuse and accidental poisoning.
• Deer Control: Recognizing the unique challenges of a suburban community, the department also manages a deer control program to address safety concerns related to deer-vehicle collisions and overpopulation.
• "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" Campaign: In line with state-wide efforts, the SPD actively participates in campaigns like #DriveSafeOhio to reduce impaired driving and ensure the safety of Strongsville's roadways.
• Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative: Working in partnership with the Northern District of Ohio, the Strongsville Police Department is involved in a comprehensive anti-gang initiative, demonstrating its commitment to tackling organized crime and maintaining the city's high quality of life.
• Citizen Police Academy: This program provides residents with an inside look at police operations, promoting transparency and educating the public on the complexities of law enforcement.
• College Intern Program: The department actively recruits and mentors future law enforcement professionals through its college intern program, ensuring a pipeline of qualified and dedicated individuals.

The Strongsville Police Department's proactive stance, backed by significant grant funding and a focus on both high-tech solutions and grassroots community engagement, solidifies its position as a model for modern municipal policing. The addition of new officers and dispatchers, combined with the strategic use of tools like the drone unit, ensures the safety and security of Strongsville residents remains the top priority for Chief O'Deens and his dedicated team.