Springdale Police Chief Mike E.  Laage

Chief Michael E. Laage, CLEE; is a native of the Greater Cincinnati area. He graduated from  Purcell High School in 1970, and immediately began pursuing his plan to become a law enforcement officer. He attended the University of Cincinnati, obtained an Associate Degree in Police Science, and a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice in 1974.   Prior to graduating, Mike tested with the Springdale Police Department and began employment on April 1, 1974. Chief Laage retired January 21, 2011 after 36 years of distinguished service.

In 1979, Chief Laage was assigned to Investigations.  In 1980, he received the Greater Cincinnati Police Appreciation Award for “Outstanding Investigative Work Leading to the Solution of Crimes During 1979”.  In 1984, Mike was promoted to Sergeant, and in 1989 to Lieutenant.  In 1990 he was assigned as the department’s first Investigative Supervisor.  In 1991 Mike was promoted to Captain, which is the Assistant Chief of the Department.   Also in 1991, the Chief was selected to attend the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, graduating in the 167^th class.  Only 1% of all law enforcement officers are afforded this opportunity to attend this advance training.  In 1998, he completed the Certified Law Enforcement Executive [CLEE] Program.  This intensive 14 month training program, conducted by the Ohio Law Enforcement Foundation, is the most advanced law enforcement training offered within the State of Ohio. 

 In 1998, Mike was promoted to the Police Chief’s position within the Springdale Police Department.   He has also been the recipient of the Springdale Officer of the year award in 1995 and 1998.

Chief Laage is very involved in the law enforcement community.  He has served as secretary, treasurer, vice president and president of the Hamilton County Association of Chiefs of Police, and also as vice president of the Hamilton County Police Association.   Since 1998, he has served on the Certified Law Enforcement Executive State Board, and is currently on his third term, serving as chairperson of the recertification/decertification committee.  Chief Laage is a current member of the Great Oaks Police Academy Advisory Committee and also serves as a Board Member for The Shield.  Mike represent the Chief’s Assn. in all Homeland Security measures, and is also a current member on the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency [EMA] Executive Committee.       

Statewide, Chief Laage serves on the Executive Board of the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police as the 2006 1^st Vice President and the State Jail Advisory Board for the Bureau of Adult Detention.

Chief Laage has been married for 29 years, and has 4 children. Chief Laage has been a very involved member of the Springdale community since 1975, coaching various sports.   The chief is also an original member of Springdale Offering Support [SOS], a local group to assist those in need.    He has also participated in the local Law Enforcement Special Olympic events for the past 13 years, and currently serves on the Special Olympics Exploratory Ad Hoc Committee for the Ohio Chiefs Assn.  The Chief was selected as the officer to represent the State of Ohio in the 2006 Special Olympic National Games Final Leg Torch Run in Ames, Iowa. 

Chief Laage believes in continuos personal development through formal education and personal experience. A college education is very important for the growth, socialization, and maturity of individuals interested in a career in Law Enforcement.  He also believes the law enforcement profession is for people who want a career, more than just a job.  Currently 3 members of the police command staff have completed the Certified Law Enforcement Executive Program [CLEE], and 8 have completed the Police Executive Leadership College [PELC].