The Brimfield Police Department, serving a small Ohio township of 10,000 residents just south of Kent, has over 139,000 Facebook followers. Chief David Oliver connects with the BPD’s “crazy cousins” from all 50 states and from around the world with his folksy and feisty posts, using Facebook as a virtual tool in the department’s community policing toolbox. In addition to alerting Brimfield residents about road conditions, traffic issues, school closings, lost pets, and local criminal activity, Chief Oliver has attracted a huge internet following for his humorous posts, political opinions, and views on marijuana legalization, drunk driving, school shootings, and other larger societal issues.
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and Lakewood Public Library are pleased to host Chief David Oliver of the Brimfield Police Department on Wednesday, March 5th at 7pm in the Main Library Auditorium. Chief Oliver will discuss the Brimfield Police Department’s unique approach to engaging the citizens of Brimfield and a worldwide audience over a virtual cup of coffee. Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board Member Lisa Tomm of Hospice of the Western Reserve follows the Brimfield Police Department on Facebook, and looks forward to reading the Chief’s posts each day. “Having worked for nearly twenty years at Hospice of the Western Reserve, this organization and its’ work have become part of who I am and I am passionate about it” says Tomm. “I was drawn to the Brimfield Police Department’s unique Facebook page because of Chief Oliver’s passion for his work, for his officers and the love he has for service and for his community.”
Chief Oliver will also be signing his new book “No Mopes Allowed: A Small Town Police Chief Rants and Babbles about Hugs and High Fives, Meth Busts, Internet Celebrity, and Other Adventures”, a collection of the best of the chief’s politically incorrect essays, delightfully sarcastic letters to criminals, humorous crime reports, inspirational quotes, and more. A limited number of copies will be available for purchase at the event. David Oliver will donate all of his income from this book to the Chief Oliver Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that distributes funds to police department charitable programs and assists juvenile survivors of sexual assault.
This event is free and open to the public.