WALBRIDGE, Ohio — A police officer in the village of Walbridge has been fired after reportedly responding to a call for service while intoxicated, WTVG reported.
Former officer Michael Ervin was terminated following an incident that occurred late on Aug. 23. According to Mayor Edward Kolanko, Ervin was dispatched to a resident’s home just before midnight after they reported an unsecured door and requested a welfare check to ensure no one was inside their home or vehicle.
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Upon arrival, the resident became concerned that the officer appeared to be intoxicated and contacted dispatch, according to the report.
“The dispatcher, acting swiftly and calmly, then contacted off-duty Walbridge Police Department Sgt. Bob Miller,” Kolanko said. Assistance was also requested from Northwood Police, Lake Township Police and a Lake Township EMT unit.
Walbridge Police Chief Ken Campbell and Sgt. Miller arrived on scene and administered a portable breath test to Ervin, which showed a presumptive blood alcohol content of 0.168%, more than twice the legal limit.
Ervin was immediately relieved of duty and formally terminated on Sept. 1. He had been hired by the department on Oct. 5, 2023.
“We highly value the public trust and recognize the importance and significance of this situation,” Kolanko said. “ …There is zero tolerance for this behavior, especially in a position where the community expects honesty, competence and integrity.”
The mayor confirmed that Ervin did not have his body-worn camera activated during the call, according to the report. An investigation remains ongoing, and charges may be filed pending its outcome. Potential charges include operating a vehicle impaired and handling a firearm while intoxicated.
No injuries or further incidents were reported during the call.
Listen to a discussion of this incident from a wellness perspective on The Brief, featuring Police1 Editorial Director Greg Friese and Lexipol Wellness Programming Director, first responder counselor and former law enforcement officer Emily Hitchings.
