Behind the Badge: Chief Jeff Spence

Chief Jeff Spence has dedicated himself to serving the City of Gahanna for 33 years, and he's still going strong! In our latest edition of Behind the Badge, he reflects on his career, shares what keeps him motivated, and even names his favorite donut spots.

Chief Jeff Spence

Behind the Badge - Officer Q&A

Q: Please tell us a little about yourself.

A: 2025 is my 33rd year in law enforcement serving the City of Gahanna. The most rewarding part of my career has been to start at the same organization that I will finish my service as a law enforcement officer. As chief, WE have had many accomplishments. However, my most rewarding will be to deliver as a TEAM a state-of-the-art police headquarters facility to our agency in 2026. In my decades of service, our facility has never truly been up to par, [not only] for our community, but also the men and women who serve this great community.

Q: What keeps you motivated?

A: This is easy, seeing the great work our team does each day. I couldn’t be prouder of the work they do. This agency is one-of-a-kind in every respect, from the training they exhibit to the compassion our staff delivers in their work. I joined the Army at age 17 and have been in uniform my entire adult life.

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

A: As a detective and a leader of detectives, I worked and managed many investigations that brought us into some of the worst tragedies a person and family could ever experience. In one homicide investigation, I made life-long friends with one of the victim’s surviving family members – a career police officer who has since retired from the Los Angeles Police Department. And while the bonds were borne of an immense tragedy, the friends I made will be there forever. I am humbled by this experience in every way, and it motivates me to keep on doing the stressful work this job entails.

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

A: The amount of time I spend in the many daily contacts with members of our community. I spend a great deal of time building relationships that further the great work our team does in the region. This can often be overwhelming when everyone has your cell number!

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

A: Watching our officers participate in the Books & Badges readings to our community’s children. They are building bonds that will last a lifetime with an impact that many of us will never know – now and well into the future.

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

A: I have always been an early riser. My greatest joy is to see the sun rise. It is a moment to stand in awe of all that is good in the world we live in as one. I have been blessed to see the sun rise in some of the most beautiful places on Earth – the mountains of Korea, the lakes of Austria, the Sun Coast of Florida, and countless places in between. I look forward to many more sunrises in life’s next adventure.

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

A: My father, long since gone, told me to find a job (a career) and stick to it through the good and bad. Going back to being in uniform since 1985 and completing 33 years with the Gahanna Division of Police, I believe I followed his advice to the letter and have lived to his expectations.

Q: Do you like donuts?

A: Yes, I do! And without shame, as a student at THE Ohio State University, I quickly became a fan of Buckeye Donuts (the apple fritters are exceptional). Also, the orange rolls at Schneider’s Bakery in Westerville are another favorite. And finally, if in the area, Yummies Donuts in Venice, Florida (2001 S. Tamiami Trail) is the place to go for Paczki (Polish donuts).