Police detective wins local, state honors in less than a week

Oct. 31—MIAMI TWP. — A Miami Twp. Police detective who helped the community through his professional and volunteer efforts recently was recognized on both the local and state level.

Todd Comer, who has served the department since 1988, was among four law enforcement officers and one civilian honored by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost on Oct. 20.

Yost gave Comer the Mark Losey Distinguished Law Enforcement Service Award, which recognizes individuals for outstanding and dedicated service and contributions to law enforcement and the community they serve.

Yost said Comer has become a "go-to" investigator for intense homicide, child abuse and sex assault cases. "His meticulous approach and dedication result in justice served, as well as a respected reputation," Yost said.

Comer also volunteered for seven years with the Dayton-based Ronald McDonald House Charities, and for three years with the Victory Project, a faith-based, after-school nonprofit serving disengaged teenage boys in the inner city.

Yost lauded Comer for his time with RMHC, where he served as a handyman, organizing donations and "doing whatever else the leaders and families of sick children needed."

"A manager called him the most reliable of volunteers," Yost said.

Yost said Comer provided monthly meals to 50 or so teens at Victory Project with no regard for the personal cost and stayed after eating to mentor them.

"These young men respected Detective Comer because he earned the right to be heard, and they listened," Yost said.

Comer said his involvement with Ronald McDonald House Charities "didn't start out to be important."

"Basically, I was trying to get my kids to understand that there's more to life than a paycheck, and that volunteering helps the people who are less fortunate in a difficult situation in their life," Comer said. "I take my kids out there and we do different things ... and it was fulfilling. I did that to start out with them and then it made so much more sense for me to do it.

"It didn't seem like work. It was fulfillment."

The state award wasn't the only honor Comer received this month. Ohio's recognition of Comer came just four days after he was one of two people to earn Officer of the Year honors from Miami Twp. Police Department.

Police Chief Charlie Stiegelmeyer said Comer has been "the cornerstone" of the department for three decades, a mentor for other officers, detectives and supervisors and "a consummate professional who treats everyone with dignity and respect."

Gaining "a vast knowledge" in that time, he graciously passed it on to those who work with him, Stiegelmeyer said.

"Servant leadership is what I preach; being a servant leader is what (Todd) does," he said, praising Comer for his humility, professionalism and caring.

Comer said he was honored to be presented the Mark Losey Distinguished Law Enforcement Service Award.

"I did a little research on him and he was very selfless," he said. "He was the epitome of go, go, go."

As for the Miami Twp. award, Comer said, "I just do what I need to do to try and get things done."

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Eric Schwartzberg