Chief of Police Bio
Greetings Arcanum Community,
I earned my Peace Officer Certification from Marion Technical College in 2000 and began my law enforcement career in my hometown of Richwood, Ohio. As a young officer with the Richwood Police Department, I helped develop and implement school-age safety programs focused on protecting and educating our youth. I worked directly with the community on neighborhood improvement efforts, including the removal of junk vehicles and cleanup of neglected properties—because public safety starts with pride in place.
Alongside my police duties, I joined the Northern Union County Joint Fire and EMS Department, serving as a basic EMT and Firefighter II. I was later promoted to Lieutenant, gaining valuable leadership experience in emergency response, coordination, and decision-making under pressure.
I continued my career with the Plain City Police Department, where strong mentorship from supervisors helped shape my leadership style. I served as the department’s Criminal Case Manager, working closely with officers, supervisors, and the community to guide investigations from start to finish. This role strengthened my ability to build trust, manage complex cases, and support others in their work.
Mid-career, I returned to the Richwood Police Department, first as a Sergeant and later as a Lieutenant. In these roles, I helped develop and implement both short- and long-term departmental goals. I was responsible for budgeting, policy development, grant writing, and scheduling, while maintaining open communication and strong working relationships with the community. Though I could have remained there for the rest of my career, I knew growth requires stepping into new challenges.
In 2016, I accepted the Constable position with the Sharon Township Police Department, where I had the opportunity to work alongside Chief Donald Schwind, a law enforcement professional with more than 40 years of experience. Learning under Chief Schwind broadened my perspective and sharpened my leadership, bringing together everything I had learned throughout my career.
Law enforcement is not just my profession—it is my calling. Every step of my journey has prepared me to lead with integrity, accountability, and respect. My goal is simple and unwavering: to serve the Village of Arcanum with honor, professionalism, and a commitment to doing the job the right way.
Chief Marcus Ballinger
Arcanum Police Department