The Lima Police Department is in mourning after one its own took his own life at a cemetery in front of local sheriff's deputies this week.
Auglaize County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives responded to the German Zion Cemetery on Eisley Road on Monday around 12:51 p.m. after receiving a report of a man with a gun sitting in a parked vehicle and threatening suicide, according to The Lima News.
When they arrived on the scene, they encountered veteran Lima Police Sgt. David Gillispie. They attempted to talk to the 20-year veteran, but were unsuccessful.
"We are devastated by this very tragic loss," Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin said. "Sgt. Gillispie was a very valuable member of this department. He will be greatly missed."
The department's critical incident team -- which includes both counselors and chaplains --were made available to meet with officers.
"As hard as it is for us in the department, I know it’s even harder for his family," Martin said. "I ask the community to please keep his family in their thoughts and prayers,” Martin said.
The 43-year-old is survived by his wife and five children.
The Lima Police Department issued the following press release:
The Lima Police Department is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Sgt. David Gillispie. We ask that everyone join us in keeping Sgt. Gillispie’s family in their thoughts and prayers.
Sgt. Gillispie served the Lima community with honor and distinction throughout his nearly twenty year career with the Lima Police Department. He first joined the department as a patrol officer in September of 1996, after completing an enlistment in the United States Air Force. In addition to being assigned to various patrol shifts he held the following assignments:
· Community Police Officer (Northwood/Maplewood Apartments area)
· Pro-active Crime Enforcement Team Investigator
· Investigator with the Lima-Allen County Narcotics Task Force and West Central Ohio Crime Task Force
· Investigator assigned to work with the FBI on the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force (Human Trafficking)
In addition to his regular assigned duties, he also served as a member of the LPD Tactical (ETU) Team – on which he served for a time as the assistant team commander, LPD Bike Team and LPD Honor Guard. He received various awards throughout his career, including an Outstanding Service Award in 2010, for his work investigating crimes against children. In 2014, he was named the Lima Exchange Club’s Law Officer of the Year and Ohio’s Finest Law Enforcement Officer by the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police.
He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in September of 2012. Upon receiving this promotion, he was first assigned as a supervisor to the evening watch of the Patrol Services Division but was then later assigned as a night watch Patrol Services Division supervisor.
Regardless of his assignment, Sgt. Gillispie always served our community to the best of his abilities. David will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to Sgt. Gillispie’s family and we again ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers in this extremely difficult time.
