Sylvania Police History
On July 27th, 1818, when the Sylvania area was considered to be part of the Territory of Michigan (Sylvania was not officially established for another 18 years), a law was passed by the Territory of Michigan's general legislative council. It was signed into law by Lewis Cass, then governor of the Territory of Michigan, and read as follows:
Be it enacted by the General Legislative Council of the Territory, that any Justice of the Peace, on conviction, may sentence any vagrant, lewd, idle or disorderly persons, stubborn servants, common drunkards, common night-walkers, pilferers, or any other persons wanton or licentious in speech, indecent behavior, common raiders or brawlers, such as neglect their calling or employment, misspend what they earn and do not provide for themselves or their families, to be whipped not exceeding ten strikes, or to be delivered over to the Constable, to be employed in labor, not exceeding three months, by such Constable to be hired out for the best wages that can be procured, the proceeds of which to be applied to the use of the poor of the County.
Of course, vagrants, pilferers and ne’er-do-wells apprehended in Sylvania no longer face the whip or involuntary servitude: our methods are more civilized these days. But, the people of Sylvania still count on us, for nearly 200 years, to maintain order and keep the peace. It is a duty we take on with dedication and pride.
It has long been a tradition with the Sylvania Police Division that the most senior patrolman be given the honor of wearing Badge #1. Therefore, out of this tradition, on February 2, 2009 badge #1 is issued to the most senior patrolman, William Dryer. This history section is dedicated to Badge #1.
William Dryer has been employed with the Sylvania Police Division since 1974 and has since retired as of July 2010.
William Dryer
For more history of the Sylvania Police Division, visit these pages:
Early History: 1867-1979
Recent History: 1980-2008
Most of the history information provided on this website was supplied, gathered and written by Gaye E. Gindy, former longtime member of the Sylvania (Ohio) Police Division. The information and many of the photos come from her historical collection of newspapers and photos. Some are on display in the lobby of the police division and belong to the division. Some are contributions from the scrapbooks of Leonard McMahon, Bernard Grayczyk, Lyle Hooper, Arthur Cole and Gerald Sobb.
To those who contributed, thank you! You have helped preserve the proud history and heritage of the Sylvania Police Division for future generations to enjoy.
EVOLUTION OF THE SYLVANIA POLICE VEHICLES AND DECALS
1950's 1960's Plymouth Fury
1974 Dodge 1976 Chevy Nova
1980 Malibu 1993 Caprice
1996 Caprice 2006 Crown Victoria