Sgt. David R. Gillispie, a 43-year-old Caucasian male, tragically died on March 21, 2016, in Spencerville, Ohio. Gillispie was a dedicated police sergeant with the Lima Police Department, serving his community with distinction for nearly 20 years. He was born on February 26, 1973, in Circleville, Ohio, and was survived by his wife, Tara M. Whitling, and their five children.
Gillispie's death was ruled a suicide. On the day of his death, deputies from the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a man with a gun threatening suicide at the German Zion Cemetery. Despite their efforts to talk him down, Gillispie took his own life at the scene. The incident left the police department and the community in shock, as Gillispie was highly respected and had received numerous awards for his service, including being named Ohio's Finest Law Enforcement Officer in 2014.
There were no arrests, suspects, or ongoing investigations related to his death, as it was determined to be a personal tragedy. The department's critical incident team, including counselors and chaplains, was made available to support the officers and staff during this difficult time. Gillispie's funeral arrangements were incomplete at the time, but he was remembered as a devoted husband, father, and a dedicated officer who always went above and beyond for his community.
Gillispie's legacy lives on through the impact he made during his career and the lives he touched both professionally and personally.
