Robert Hickman

Background

About Robert Hickman

I am a life-long resident of the City of Port Clinton, Ohio and I began my law enforcement career in 1981, as a reserve officer with the Port Clinton Police Department. In 1988, I obtained a full-time position with the department. In 1990, I researched and started the canine program along with my first partner, Donny, for the City of Port Clinton. I accepted a promotion to Sergeant in 1997. On February 10th, 2011, I accepted a promotion as Chief of Police and retired on Monday, June 28th, 2021. I have had the pleasure of working with four (4) canine (Donny, Britt, Kazan, and Barry) partners throughout my career as a canine officer/handler/trainer spanning over 32 years. I was a member of the Ottawa County Special Response Team for 10 years along with two (2) of my canine partners. I became an Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Canine Narcotics and General-Duty Canine Evaluator in 1992. In 1993, I became an Adjutant Faculty Instructor for Canine Related Topics. I have since continued to serve as an OPOTA Subject Matter Expert regarding Canine Related Topics. I became a member of North American Police Work Dog Association in 1990, and attended my first NAPWDA State Workshop in Bethlehem, New York, in 1991. I attended my first National Workshop in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1992. In October of 1993, I became the Ohio State Coordinator, and currently remain as an Assistant Ohio State Coordinator. In 1994, I became an Accredited Canine Trainer and in 1997, became an Accredited Master Trainer in Narcotics/Utility. In June of I, after election, became the National Vice President and served in that position for 21 years. In October of 2002, I became the Equipment Chairperson, and currently remain in that position. In 2021, I, after election became the President. After almost 40 years in law enforcement, and upon retirement my plans are to utilize my years of experience in K9 at Shallow Creek Kennels as an instructor. I am married to Roseann, and together we have four (4) sons, and eight (8) grandchildren.