SWAT medic retires after 18 years

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SIDNEY — Scott Roddy retired on Tuesday after 18 years as the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team medic. He has responded to over 100 SWAT calls, including barricaded persons, active shooter incidents and high risk warrant service.

Roddy has also worked as a Sidney City School teacher, squad chief and paramedic for the Perry Port Salem Rescue, volunteer firefighter with former Shelby County Fire Department, CPR/AED instructor for the Sheriff’s Office and as an assistant coroner’s investigator for 12 years.

He says that over the course of his time on the team he has seen the county change. “There are more sophisticated drugs now,” he said. “The county has changed in the amount of drugs, and from a law enforcement perspective they’re more sophisticated.”

Roddy says he is retiring because keeping up his certifications was becoming too much of a hassle.

Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart says Roddy will be missed.

“We appreciate all the work he has done for us in the county, and we hate to see him retire.” The sheriff wished him good luck and presented a plaque to Roddy in appreciation and a badge emblazoned with St. Michael, patron saint of the police.

“Having a medic along on incidents is of real value to law enforcement officers,” Lenhart said. “Luckily we’ve not had any serious injuries.”

Melinda Gehrlich will take over Roddy’s responsibilities as the SWAT team medic.

Scott Roddy and Sheriff John Lenhart shake hands during the award ceremonyin which Lenhart honored Roddy for his 18 years as the SWAT Team medic.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/05/web1_ScottRoddy-1.jpgScott Roddy and Sheriff John Lenhart shake hands during the award ceremonyin which Lenhart honored Roddy for his 18 years as the SWAT Team medic. Heather Willard | Sidney Daily News

Scott Roddy holds the plaque and badge during the award ceremony. Standing with Roddy is Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/05/web1_Scott2-1.jpgScott Roddy holds the plaque and badge during the award ceremony. Standing with Roddy is Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart. Heather Willard | Sidney Daily News

By Heather Willard

Reach the writerat 937-538-4825.

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