ONTARIO — Sgt. Shelley DeHart is still getting used to answering the phone with her new title.
“I’ve been so used to saying ‘Officer DeHart’ picking up the phone, that I had to correct myself to say sergeant multiple times,” she said.
DeHart, a 2014 Ontario High School graduate, joined the Ontario police force in 2018 after graduating from the North Central State College Police Academy. She was promoted to the city’s first female sergeant in January.
“I remember in my initial hiring interview that I told Chief (Tommy) Hill I want to be the first female chief of Ontario,” she said. “I am the first female sergeant — which is bittersweet.
“If the opportunity arises in the future, I could be the first female lieutenant and assistant chief.”
As of January, DeHart is one step closer to that goal she shared as a 21-year-old. Officers must go through a written test and interview to be promoted to sergeant.
DeHart scored the highest on the written test among a small group of officers. She has previously been an officer-in-charge and acting watch commander.
“She’s worked hard and has accomplished everything she’s set out for. She’s going to go far.”
Adam Gongwer, ontario service-safety director
‘It’s a success story for my teachers and the school too’
DeHart said she tries to attend her alma mater’s sporting events and has gotten the chance to share her promotion news with a few teachers.
“It’s a success story for my teachers and the school, too,” she said. “It’s really sweet to be able to share that with my hometown.”
DeHart noted she knew Mayor Kris Knapp as the health teacher and athletic director when she was in school. Service-Safety Director Adam Gongwer was the school resource officer.
“I’ve known a lot of the department and city my entire life,” she said. “It’s always felt like home to me.”
Gongwer said he remembers DeHart asking him questions about his job when he was the police department’s school resource officer.
“I had no idea talking to this junior high kid years ago that later, I’d be swearing her in as sergeant and working with her,” Gongwer said.
“She’s worked hard and has accomplished everything she’s set out for. She’s going to go far.”
The new sergeant knew she wanted to be a police officer when she was a teenager.
“I took all the experiences I had from childhood and that perspective I gained to apply in my job now,” she said. “I like to be the one to help and solve problems, I always like to have an answer for someone.”
DeHart said one of her goals as sergeant is to continue the department’s camaraderie.
“Our department has always been really close and we have a great administration and city council that backs us,” she said. “I know being in a supervisory role now, you have a big impact on that culture.”
The 28-year-old has a bachelor’s degree in homeland security and terrorism and is currently studying criminal behavior and psychology at Tiffin University to earn a master’s degree.
The Ontario Police Department has 14 officers, four sergeants, three lieutenants, one assistant chief and one chief.
The department also promoted Officer Jon Sigler to sergeant on Feb. 26. Sgt. Casey Bly will formally take on the responsibility of training coordinator in accordance with legislation city council passed in February.