Behind the Badge: Sgt Jim Marable

What’s it like to lead a Homicide team in one of the country’s largest cities? Sergeant Jim Marable of the Columbus Division of Police knows firsthand. With decades of experience across units like Auto Theft, Internal Affairs, and Narcotics, he now serves in the Division’s Homicide Bureau, where he works alongside detectives whose unwavering commitment to justice often goes unseen. In this candid Q&A, Sgt. Marable shares career insights, a few unforgettable pranks, and a powerful moment when he joined forces with Starfish supporters to uplift a grieving family. Whether you're curious about life in law enforcement or just want to know why someone named "Biscuits" can’t stay found underwater, you won’t want to miss this one.

Behind the Badge: Sgt. Jim Marable

Q: Please tell us a little about yourself.

A: I grew up in Beavercreek, Ohio, and moved to Columbus after high school to attend The Ohio State University. I had originally planned to pursue a military career and pay for college through ROTC, but the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War changed those plans. The resulting military reduction in force left me needing both a job and a new way to pay for school.

While at OSU, I met several Columbus Police officers who encouraged me to do a ride-along and consider a career in law enforcement. That experience ultimately led me to join the Columbus Division of Police. One of the key incentives that influenced my decision was the Division’s tuition reimbursement program, which I used to complete my bachelor’s degree and later earn an MBA. In my opinion, this is an underutilized benefit that I wish more officers would take advantage of.

Over the course of my career, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a wide range of assignments, including Patrol, Property Crimes, Auto Theft, Narcotics, Internal Affairs, and Homicide. I also served on our Hostage Negotiation and Officer Support Teams.

Q: What inspired you to become a police officer?

A: The Columbus Police officers who took the time to talk with me about their work and encouraged me to do a ride-along when I was a student. Their genuine interest in me—not just as a student, but as a potential recruit—left a lasting impression. That personal connection and mentorship ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Years later, I find those roles reversed. Now I’m the one trying to mentor and encourage young people to consider careers in law enforcement.

I’ve been reading about the challenges of recruiting young people, and one author shared an insight that really resonated with me: organizations can’t fake interest. If we want to recruit the next generation effectively, we have to take the time to genuinely invest in their development. By showing real, personal interest in their professional and personal growth, we send a powerful message: This organization will care about you and help you succeed.

I’m paraphrasing, of course—but that kind of message is more than just a recruiting tactic. It’s a profound incentive to join the Division. One that I believe makes all the difference.

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

A: I really enjoy the practical jokes and humor we use to mitigate stress. Many of my favorite memories are of pranks we’ve played on each other over the years. Here’s one of my all-time favorites:

We were holding a perimeter around a suspicious package while the bomb squad deployed the robot. They planned to neutralize the device with a water charge, had positioned the robot and called out “Fire in the hole.” Nearby was a fellow sergeant who was known for being extremely tense and jumpy. He was standing directly in front of me, staring at the robot, clearly anticipating a detonation. Unbeknownst to us at the time, the primer charge had failed, so nothing happened.

As we waited, I sensed the perfect opportunity. I leaned in close behind him, clapped my hands as loud as I could directly behind his head and yelled, “BOOM!” He jumped and let out a high-pitched squeal. He then turned around and yelled, “Marable, what’s WRONG with you?” A lieutenant who later overheard the retelling of this story laughed and said, “And just who hasn’t asked themselves that question?”

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

A: The people I work with, the detectives who won't give up, no matter how tough the case is, how long it takes, or how much pressure they’re under. Even when families are yelling at them out of grief and frustration, they keep at it against all odds. What might not be visible from the outside is just how personally detectives take these cases, and how deeply committed they are to finding justice for the victims. I’m very fortunate to have the privilege of working alongside them.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting several major city Homicide Units here in the United States and I’ve met Homicide investigators from around the world. I seldom encounter Homicide Units with clearance rates comparable to ours. When I do, I always have a lot of questions; I want to know why they are succeeding. Invariably, it comes down to staffing the unit with determined detectives and providing them with the resources, support, and training they need. We are very privileged to have that here in Columbus.

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

A: A woman tragically lost her newborn to SUIDS during the Christmas season. She had two other very young children and was completely overwhelmed. What limited financial resources she had were going toward funeral expenses, leaving nothing for Christmas gifts for the other children.

I felt terrible for this family and reached out to Starfish. Starfish stepped in without hesitation and provided Christmas gifts for the siblings, ensuring that the children had toys and some sense of normalcy while their mother navigated every parent’s worst nightmare. Not only was Starfish incredibly generous (the kids received A LOT of toys), but they also went above and beyond in their support. I told Ms. Banks that I wasn’t sure what children that age might enjoy, so she and Deputy Chief Myers met me at the store to help with the shopping. In the end, it wasn’t just the family who was overwhelmed by Starfish’s generosity, I was too.

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

A: Scuba diving with my friends—there’s nothing more delightful than teasing "Biscuits" (you may know him as Steve Galentine) after he manages to somehow get lost in calm seas, with 80-foot visibility, and two-way comms. "Hey Biscuits, where are you?" "I'm behind you guys in the swim through." "WE AREN’T IN A SWIM THROUGH!"

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

A: There’s a lot in life you won’t be able to control. Some of it will be good and some of it won’t. What you can control is how you react and your attitude. Focus on what you can control.

Q: Do you like donuts?

A: Of course I like donuts — I'm not a monster. Besides, why would I deny myself such a delightful personal indulgence?