PREBLE COUNTY — Major Joe Renner has retired from service at the Preble County Sheriff’s Office after 38-plus years of full-time service.
Renner was recognized in front of his peers and those he has loyally served on Monday, Jan. 6. There he was presented with many gifts, awards, and other items to honor and thank him for his dedication to both the organization and the Preble County community as a whole.
Major Renner began his career with the Preble County Sheriff’s Office in August of 1981 as a dispatcher/jailer. In 1985, he was promoted to road patrol, where he remained until his promotion to Captain in January of 2005. He was then promoted to the rank of Major on Sept. 1, 2011.
On Aug. 1, 2106, Major Renner was appointed to the position of Dispatch Supervisor/9-1-1 Coordinator. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the county dispatch center and keeping all 9-1-1 and related equipment and software up to date and operational. Prior to his assignment as dispatch supervisor, Major Renner served as the Jail Administrator.
While a patrol deputy, Major Renner served as a team leader on the Emergency Services Unit, and as ground support on the Dive Recovery Team.
Prior to his appointment as a patrol deputy, Major Renner worked for the Gratis Police Department as both a patrolman and Chief of Police. Major Renner also worked for both the Camden and Lewisburg Police Departments as a patrolman, and also served a short stint as acting Chief of Police for the Village of Camden.
Major Renner has also been an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police, serving in several capacities, including local lodge president and secretary/treasurer.
A 1981 graduate of Eaton High School and the Montgomery County Joint Vocational School’s Law Enforcement Program, and a 2007 graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, Major Renner serves as a member of Eaton City Council and is a former member of the Eaton Community Schools Board of Education.
“In the end, I think an awful lot of friendships have been made and many many memories as well,” Sheriff Mike Simpson said. “Your service and your dedication to the Office of Sheriff has not gone unnoticed. I mean that sincerely. On behalf of the entire staff of the Sheriff’s Office, we want to salute you for your service and commitment to this county and we thank you for an outstanding career. We certainly wish you the very best of luck and sincerely hope you enjoy yourself and your retirement.”
J. Todd Smith, State Representative of the 43rd District, presented a commendation to Renner for his service and spoke on public service as a “calling.”
“The most rewarding part of the job I have had the joy to experience so far is not just serving people, but serving people who serve. What you do is a calling – there has to be something [in your heart] to put your life on the line for people you may not even know,” Smith said. “It is a great honor to get to honor people who are serving and to get to serve people like you, Joe. Congratulations to you on 38 years of service.”
Sheriff Simpson also read several letters from various representatives congratulating Major Renner on his retirement and thanking him for his long service.
Congressman Warren Davidson wrote, “Thank you for putting the safety and well being of your neighbors above your own. For nearly four decades the citizens of Preble County have been well served by your efforts. Thank you for lending your talents and expertise to countless communities in the capacities of Patrolman and Chief of Police in three villages, Eaton City Council, Eaton Community Schools Board of Education, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Once again, thank you for your service and congratulations on your retirement.”
Senator Rob Portman wrote, “Your service to Preble County for nearly 40 years is both commendable and inspiring. Since 1981, you rose through the ranks as Dispatcher, Captain, Supervisor, and Major. Your dedication to Eaton City Council and as a member of Fraternal Order of Police displays your service and leadership. I hope you’re able to celebrate this occasion with friends and family and even with a little cake too.”
Governor Mike DeWine wrote, “On behalf of the State of Ohio, we join your colleagues in congratulating you on your retirement from the Preble County Sheriff’s Office after 38 years of public service. Throughout your career you’ve been a tremendous asset to your office, to your coworkers who have had the opportunity to work beside you, and to the citizens of Ohio. Thank you for your dedication and best wishes as you embark on your well deserved retirement.”
Sheriff Simpson then presented Renner with several mementos, including a plaque, an acrylic award for serving a record number of years, his retirement credentials, and his service weapon, engraved with the Sheriff’s star and Renner’s name and dates of service. Renner was also given a basket from Camping World, which was funded by donations from staff at the Preble County Sheriff’s Office.
Renner addressed those gathered to celebrate his accomplishments and reflected on his career with the Preble County Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s finally starting to sink in a little bit,” he said. “It’s time, as any of you who have retired or thinking about retirement, you kind of know when it is getting there. I’ve known it for a little while and I’ve finally made good on it. It’s not a job, it’s a career. For those of us who lived it, we know it is not just a job. As my family, as all your families who are in public safety know, it is not just a job and it is hard on families a lot of time, let’s face it.
“It has been a good career, I’m proud to have been associated — nothing against my other officers in the room, but there’s nothing like being a Deputy Sheriff in the State of Ohio. It’s a very proud tradition and a historic position. I’m proud to be associated with it. I’ll still be around somewhere and you’ll be stuck with me in some capacity.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Sheriffs I worked for. I haven’t always been the quietest or most obedient employee, I’m aware — those of you who know me know that — but I have appreciated the job and appreciated each of you who are in the room that I’ve worked for. I thank you very much.”
