The city of Circleville appointed a new police chief after more than a year of upheaval at the department.
Kenny Fisher was sworn in Monday. He is a U.S. Marine Corps and Army Reserve veteran and previously worked as a sergeant at the Circleville Police Department.
"In his speech, Chief Fisher emphasized his commitment to transforming your police department into a more community-oriented force. He plans to expand community policing initiatives and enhance community involvement," the Circleville Police Department said in a Facebook post.
Fisher served as acting police chief for several months as the city investigated former Police Chief Shawn Baer and his deputy chief.
Since July of last year, Circleville's police department saw Baer and Deputy Chief Doug Davis come under review. The city accepted resignations from Baer and Davis after the two had allegations of misconduct and harassment levied against them.
It was alleged Davis assaulted Circleville Mayor Michelle Blanton.
Blanton also hired, then quickly fired, former safety director Steve Wilkinson. Wilkinson then alleged at a council meeting that he wanted to fix the issues at the police department, before levying allegations against Davis after he was fired one week into the position.
Wilkinson alleged he was secretly sworn in. Ware's swearing in ceremony was open to the public.
This all happened after former Circleville officer Ryan Speakman ordered his K-9 to attack a man in July of last year after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers had pulled over and the man was already surrendering to police.
The city of Circleville fired Speakman and awarded Jadarrius Rose, the man who was attacked, with a settlement to avoid a lawsuit.
