First Posted: 2/19/2015
KETTERING — Lima Police Maj. Chip Protsman is likely leaving the agency to become the next police chief of the Kettering Police Department.
Protsman is the final man standing in a lengthy application process to replace Chief James O’Dell who is retiring April 1 after 30 years as the head of the agency, said Kettering City Manager Mark Schwieterman.
Protsman brings a strong skill set and a wealth of experience, Schwieterman said.
“As a person we found him very engaging and a good fit for our organization,” Schwieterman said.
Protsman beat out more than 50 candidates. He has to pass a background check before the offer is extended to hire him, but that’s more of a formality, Schwieterman said.
“We expect a positive outcome to that, and if that is the case, he will be offered the position,” Schwieterman said.
Protsman confirmed he applied for the job but referred calls to Schwieterman.
The chief’s job in Kettering pays about $121,000 annually, Schwieterman said.
The hiring process was started by using an outside firm that screened candidates and sent a list to the city for a series of interviews.
The agency has 82 sworn officers to oversee a city of 56,000 people. There are more than 100 total employees in the agency.
The plan would be for Protsman to start the job before the current chief retires in about five weeks, Schwieterman said.
Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin said if Protsman does leave, the process to replace him would go through Lima’s Civil Service Board.
“If Maj. Protsman takes it, it will be a loss to the police department. I’ve been proud to work with him,” Martin said.
Protsman, 44, was hired at the Lima Police Department in 1995. He was promoted to his current rank, major, in April 2011 and most recently has been in charge of the investigative bureau.
He is a graduate of the University of Toledo where he holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and has a master’s degree from Tiffin University in the same area of study. He is a 1989 graduate of Shawnee High School.
