Officer Jason Lapp went from sergeant to lieutenant during his swearing–in ceremony on Friday, Jan. 3, at the Bellefontaine City Council Chambers. And, according to Chief of Police Christopher Marlow, the promotion was long overdue.
“He was hired shortly after me, so he’s been here a long time. And,” Marlow explained, Lapp “will fill the vacancy left since I was promoted to chief.”
Lapp’s new assignment moves him from patrol duty to behind a desk, where he’ll take care of administrative duties. This includes the implementation of policy, maintaining equipment and hiring new staff.
A patrol officer from 2001 to 2015, Lapp was then promoted to sergeant for the next nine years. His history with the department means he’s worked with Marlow and Lieutenant Scott Marlow for over 20 years.
“We kind of grew up together. We have a great rapport,” Lapp said.
As for his new assignment, Lapp is ready and proud to continue working with the Bellefontaine PD.
“Not everyone can do this job,” he admitted. “It’s about doing the right things for the right reasons.”
Joining Lapp at the ceremony Friday were his mother, Linda Popp; father, Gail Lapp; wife, Gretchen; and sons Riggs, Bayes and Mills.