Behind the Badge: Chief Deputy Jim Gilbert

We’re excited to feature Chief Deputy Jim Gilbert from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in this edition of Behind the Badge! With more than 30 years in law enforcement, he’s seen a lot, from his early days in Cincinnati to his current role leading deputies here in Central Ohio.

Chief Gilbert is also a valued member of the Starfish Assignment Advisory Board, where he shares his passion for supporting officers and building stronger connections with the community. We think you’ll enjoy getting to know him a little better through his Q&A.

Behind the Badge: Chief Deputy Jim Gilbert

Q: Please tell us a little about yourself.

A: I’m originally from Cincinnati and moved to Columbus in 1996 after accepting a job with the Columbus Div. of Police. I started my law enforcement career in 1993 working for a small village police department in the Cincinnati area and then working at the Miami University Police Department in Oxford, Ohio. I’ve been in our great profession of law enforcement for 32 years. I live in Pickerington with my wife and have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

Q: What inspired you to become a police officer?

A: All I ever wanted to do was follow in the footsteps of my father who was a Cincinnati police officer. At the age of 8 years old I had a police scanner and was a police explorer at the age of 14. I’m very passionate about our profession and absolutely love being at work every day. I see myself as a “cop who happens to be of rank” and I’m motivated to do all that I can to inspire those around me in our profession to be passionate, professional and take pride in what they do!

Q: What's your favorite memory on the job?

A:  As a Columbus Police Sergeant, I was the elected FOP President from 2006-2012. Being in that role provided me an opportunity to be the voice of the street officer and represent our great profession of law enforcement in a very positive way. It was my honor to serve in that capacity and be there for cops and their families during good times and those unfortunate dark times.  I’m also very blessed now to be the Chief Deputy of the Patrol Division here at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Being able to provide support, excellent equipment, understanding and a positive mindset for those deputies who work under my command is very important to me. Policing today is in fact the Hardest Job in America!

Q: What's one part of your job that might surprise people?

A: As an administrator, I would rather be out on the street rather than in my office! Those who know me aren’t really shocked by that though…I enjoy hard rock music and Shinedown is one of my favorite bands!

Q: Do you have a favorite Starfish Assignment memory or event?

A: I still look back at one of the first Starfish Assignment initiatives that I was involved in. A deputy in Hamilton Twp. was struggling to figure out how to assist an elderly woman who lived alone with no air conditioning during a hot July day during a routine call to service. Within a day, Starfish Assignment stepped up and provided a portable window air conditioner unit for the elderly resident. That was the moment that our agency embraced Starfish Assignment and kick-started our involvement over the last 5 years with the organization!

Q: When you're off duty, what do you enjoy doing?

A:  Fishing and spending time with family. Also, I’m a Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan!

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you received when you were young?

A: Enjoy what you do and everything else will work itself out!

Q: What made you want to become a Starfish board member? What do you enjoy most about it?

A:  I always have embraced those organizations who want to support our great profession of law enforcement. The opportunity to come on board Starfish Assignment in an advisory role was one that I didn’t want to pass up. I’ve always been a networking person, and my career has always been in and/or around supporting great partnerships within the community of law enforcement and those who serve the public!

Q: Do you like donuts?

A:  No, I do not really like donuts but a fun fact about the question! How did cops and donuts start out as a joke amongst people? Back in the 1960’s and 70’s a 3rd shift cop on patrol was very limited on where they could get a warm cup of coffee during the overnight hours! Back then gas stations and convenience stores were not open for business during overnight hours and the only place in town open was a donut shop. So, when people leaving for work early in the morning hours would drive by a donut shop, parked in front of the shop would be several police cars because the officers were inside enjoying a hot cup of coffee more so than a donut!