(From Tiffin Police Chief David Pauly)

Today, we gathered—family, friends, and fellow officers (current and retired) by his side—as Sergeant LaVerne “Vern” Keefe signed off the radio one last time. After more than 25 years of unwavering service to the Tiffin Police Department, Vern completed his final call, marking the end of an extraordinary career defined by quiet leadership, technical wizardry, and an unshakable sense of duty.

Vern took his oath on May 20, 2000, sworn in by then-Mayor Bernard Holman. From that day forward, he became a constant presence in this department—reliable, humble, and deeply respected. He never sought the spotlight, but his work spoke volumes. Whether patrolling our streets or navigating the maze of IT systems that keep us running, Vern always showed up with purpose and professionalism.

Promoted to Sergeant in 2011, Vern led with calm authority. He wasn’t the loudest in the room—but his voice always carried weight. He mentored with patience, handled pressure with poise, and earned the respect of those he supervised by simply living the values he expected from others.

And let’s be honest—many of us didn’t just go to Vern with questions about a call or a case. We went to him when our computer crashed, when printers staged a rebellion, or when a rogue spreadsheet refused to cooperate. Somehow, Vern always had the answer—or at least a cable, a workaround, and a grin that let us know it’d be okay.

His office? A controlled chaos only he could navigate. His role? Absolutely essential. His impact? Immeasurable.

Today’s final radio call wasn’t just the end of Vern’s shift. It was the closing of a remarkable chapter—one that will echo in every system he helped build, every officer he quietly guided, and every moment we realize just how much he held together behind the scenes.

Vern, thank you—for your more than 25 years of service, your calm leadership, and your dry humor that got us through some long days. You leave behind more than just a career—you leave a legacy.

Enjoy this next chapter—it’s sure to be a busy one. We have no doubt we’ll be seeing you around as you take on this new role, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside you in a different capacity for many years to come.

Oh—and maybe, just maybe—see if you can keep your next desk a little cleaner.

From all of us at the Tiffin Police Department: You are deeply appreciated, and you will be deeply missed.

Chief Pauly