Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhof has been sworn in as Second Vice-President of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), stepping into a leadership role within one of the state’s most influential law enforcement organizations.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Sunday evening, during a formal event attended by law enforcement leaders from across the state.
The OACP is widely recognized for its commitment to professional development, ethical standards, officer wellness, and legislative leadership across Ohio’s law enforcement community.
As Second Vice-President, Chief Freyhof will take on a broad set of responsibilities.
In addition to continuing his service on various committees, he will now chair the Law Enforcement Administrator (LEA) Committee, attend legislative and steering committee meetings, assist in strategic planning efforts, and step in for the First Vice President or President when needed.
Chief Freyhof described the OACP as a critical support system for Ohio’s police leaders.
“As you’re aware, all professional disciplines have an organization that exists to support each other and work toward shared goals. For law enforcement in Ohio, the OACP is that organization,” he said.
He credited the mentorship and resources he received early in his career as foundational to his leadership growth.
“The mentorship I received starting as a 27-year-old Chief of Police was second to none,” Freyhof said. “They offered guidance when my department had nothing—resources, education, risk management tools, and help in building solid policies and procedures. Because of that, I’ve always wanted to give back.”
Chief Freyhof is especially passionate about ensuring that the voices of small agency chiefs are heard—something that hasn’t always been the case in state-level discussions.
“The OACP plays a key role in legislative committees as new bills are introduced, but until recently, small departments weren’t always represented directly,” he explained. “Major changes in laws, training requirements, hiring standards, and funding can have a disproportionate effect on smaller agencies. Being at the table allows us to better serve our departments—and by extension, our communities—when it comes to ensuring public health, safety, and welfare.”
Freyhof also highlighted the power of personal connections in times of crisis.
“When our community was hit by the tornado, the state stepped in—but what really helped was the personal relationships we had already built with state officials through OACP.”
Now in a leadership role, Chief Freyhof looks forward to working with the association’s committees, district representatives, executive board, and dedicated staff to continue supporting law enforcement professionals across the state.
The Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police represents law enforcement executives statewide and serves as a leading voice in public safety, policy, and professional standards.
