Wayne sheriff hosts his final BSSA meeting

Retirement may be on the horizon for Wayne County Sheriff Travis Hutchinson, but he isn’t slowing down. Recently, he hosted the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association meeting at RES Auction Services in Wooster to empower regional law-enforcement officers with the knowledge, resources and support they need to navigate an ever-changing and complex legal landscape.

These gatherings serve as a platform for sharing best practices, discussing emerging legal issues and fostering collaboration among sheriffs from diverse jurisdictions. By focusing on education and community engagement, the BSSA equips sheriffs with the tools to enhance public safety and adapt to evolving challenges.

Hutchinson has attended more than 400 BSSA meetings in his career.

“There is always an educational element in these meetings,” Hutchinson said. “It keeps law enforcement informed of changes in legislation and updates to laws that have an impact on our jobs. As sheriff we want to provide the best service possible while protecting our citizens.”

Sheriffs often address issues that affect their communities, from crime prevention to emergency response. However, the landscape of law enforcement is constantly evolving, influenced by changing laws, societal expectations and emerging threats.

Emerging threats often keep Hutchinson up at night. His position requires him to stay a step ahead of criminal activity. BSSA meetings allow collaboration with other sheriffs to share insights and discuss the latest legal developments that impact their duties. These ongoing efforts ultimately build trust in the community.

Hutchinson recalled one BSSA meeting years ago when he was presented with the office's first deputy K-9.

“That was very overwhelming and emotional for our staff,” he said. “Drug trafficking and drug networking have grown in our area. We are very reliant on our K-9 unit for both the deputy’s safety and the safety of the community. We want to intercept drugs before they get into the community. Having a K-9 in our departments helps us be proactive instead of reactive. We want to stop it before it happens.”

Although it was his last meeting as sheriff, it hasn’t sunk in.

“This is just another day’s regular course of business,” Hutchinson said. “I haven’t really looked at it as being the last one, but I guess it is. I guess I have to come to the realization that you can’t do it forever.”

Hutchinson's first road partner, Stark County Sheriff George Maier, attended the meeting.

“Travis and I worked the midnight shift in Wayne County,” Maier said. “Not only did he become a good friend, he became my mentor. He is someone I looked up to back then, and he is someone I look up to today.”

Dan Starcher is the communications coordinator for Wayne County.