Retired Warren Police Captain Honored with Key to City

Jeff Cole, a 32-year veteran, was praised for his professionalism and community service.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:08am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting the blurred silhouettes of a police officer and a community member shaking hands, symbolizing the importance of building trust and partnership between law enforcement and the public.A retiring police captain's legacy of community engagement and trust-building serves as a model for the future of law enforcement.Warren Today

After a 32-year career with the Warren Police Department, Capt. Jeff Cole was honored with the key to the city during a Warren City Council meeting. Mayor Doug Franklin and Police Chief Eric Merkel praised Cole's leadership and credited him with helping guide the department through turbulent times and building community trust.

Why it matters

The presentation of the key to the city is a significant honor that recognizes Cole's decades of dedicated service and his role in fostering positive police-community relations in Warren, Ohio.

The details

Cole, who retired last week, spent much of his career in internal affairs and as commander of emergency services. Police Chief Merkel called Cole's retirement 'a huge loss for the police department,' noting that he respected Cole's opinion and often sought his counsel. In his remarks, Cole said it was an honor to serve the city of Warren, which became his home over the past 32 years.

  • Cole's last day was on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Cole was diagnosed with cancer in August, shortly before his originally planned retirement in November.

The players

Jeff Cole

A 32-year veteran of the Warren Police Department who recently retired as a captain. He was praised for his professionalism and for helping guide the department through difficult times.

Doug Franklin

The mayor of Warren, Ohio, who presented Cole with the key to the city.

Eric Merkel

The Warren Police Chief, who worked alongside Cole for 31 years and called his retirement 'a huge loss for the police department.'

Helen Rucker

A Warren City Councilwoman who praised Cole for helping maintain trust during volatile periods of community distrust in police.

Ron White

A Warren City Councilman who said Cole showed what being a police officer was all about - integrity.

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What they’re saying

“He's played some critical roles in the police department through time. I respected him. Respected his opinion. Whenever I needed to make a decision, I definitely took what he told me home and thought about that really hard.”

— Eric Merkel, Warren Police Chief

“It's just been an honor to serve the city of Warren. The past 32 years that I've served, Warren has been home to me. The residents of the city, I've made numerous friends, a couple of foes, that goes with the territory. But the one thing I can say for my career is that no matter friend or foe, I treated everybody with respect and equally.”

— Jeff Cole, Retired Warren Police Captain

“You held it together, and you were coming to our neighborhoods and just talked to us straight. We're very proud.”

— Helen Rucker, Warren City Councilwoman

“He showed what being a police officer was all about integrity.”

— Ron White, Warren City Councilman

What’s next

Cole plans to focus on his health, spend more time with family, and enjoy golf in retirement.

The takeaway

The presentation of the key to the city to Capt. Jeff Cole recognizes his decades of dedicated service and his role in building trust between the Warren Police Department and the community. His retirement marks the end of an era, but the department is working to develop new leaders to fill the gap left by experienced officers like Cole.