Hiram council unanimously approves addition of a police officer after chief’s staffing request

The Hiram Village Council voted unanimously on Aug. 19, 2025 to add another sworn officer to the village police department after Police Chief James Clemens presented the department's staffing needs.

Chief Clemens described recent department activity and said a staffing addition was necessary; he also noted 'Fishing with a Cop' was a successful community event. Councilor Juan Fernandez moved to approve the addition of an officer, Councilor Chris Perme seconded, and the motion carried 6-0.

The council recorded the action but did not specify hiring timelines or the funding source in the meeting minutes; the fiscal officer and administration will handle next steps related to recruitment and budget implications.

What’s next: The police department is expected to begin recruitment and report progress to council; council did not record specific timeline or funding allocations at the Aug. 19 meeting.