After numerous requests from residents and business owners in Coolville, council members voted unanimously to reactivate the Coolville Police Department. 

Mayor Paul Harris took control of the project and obtained the needed resources to get the police department up and running. Mayor Harris reviewed many résumés and interviewed several interested, qualified law enforcement officers for the position of police chief and during the Sept. 12 council meeting, he appointed Shannon Sheridan Chief of Police.

Chief Sheridan’s staff consists of Sgt. Doug Crites and Officer Tom Ellis. Sheridan and Crites have several years of experience in local law enforcement and are both Athens County deputies. Officer Tom Ellis brings with him extensive experience in village law enforcement operations. In the future, Chief Sheridan hopes to have a minimum of six certified auxiliary police officers.

Mayor Harris obtained a 1996 Chevy Caprice police cruiser from the Athens County Commissioners, at no charge. With donations from local business owners (including Mike Putman, owner of White Funeral Home; Coolspot owner Brian White; associates of the Coolville Health Care Center; Carousel Antiques owners Bill and Connie Moodispaugh; and Councilman Randy Rogers), auto repairs for the cruiser began and remodeling in the office began.  Chief Sheridan obtained a law enforcement computer system through a grant from OLLEISN, which includes  high-speed Internet for three years. 

The police department officially opened on Nov. 10.

Residents are urged to make sure their residence has the house numbers, assigned by 911 addressing, displayed on their houses or mailboxes to help police respond to emergencies. The 911 addresses should be used when calling for assistance, as the officers and other emergency personnel use the 911 addresses when responding.

The police department is located in Village Hall and can be contacted by calling 667-7349. In case of an emergency always dial 911.When the police department is not open, call the Athens County Sheriff at 740-593-6633 for non-emergencies.