Canal Winchester Mayor Mike Ebert and Canal Winchester City Council commended Madison Township Police officers and a Fairfield County deputy for their actions on Aug. 18 at the Groveport Madison at Canal Winchester high school football game. During the incident, three modified firearms were confiscated from four individuals ages 16 to 18 after a fight broke out. “The officers acted swiftly and decisively in a highly stressful environment, with many moving pieces and many lives to protect,” said Madison Township Police Chief Gary York. “Because of their intuition and teamwork with the school administration, potential tragedy was circumvented, and dangerous weapons were taken off our streets.” The mayor and council viewed a four-minute video compilation of body cam footage depicting the events of that night. A proclamation was read in commendation of Sgt. Nick Tiller, Sgt. Angie Gamblin, Officer Brian Schwotzer, Officer Keith Mallory, Officer Mathew Deskins, Officer Adam Blake, Officer Darrian Jackson, Officer James Hummel, and Deputy Matt Baughman, and certificates were presented to each. “I couldn’t be more proud of these officers,” said York. “As a result of these arrests, the Franklin County Juvenile Prosecutors have charged the first-ever juvenile with possession of a ‘Glock switch,’ and as of now, the judge has not granted bail on that individual. The other three suspects were released on bond.” The officers, who represent nearly 100 years of combined experience, were met with a standing ovation at the conclusion of the presentation. The Groveport Madison Board of Education also invited the Madison Township Police Department to its Sept. 13 meeting to honor their work during the Aug. 18 incident. At their Sept. 26 meeting, the Madison Township trustees will recognize the officers, two Groveport Madison administrative staff members, and a civilian who assisted the officers. State Senator Michele Reynolds is expected to present state-sponsored awards to the officers and the civilians who stepped in to aid officers.
