Kettering Police Department mourns the loss of a former officer and celebrates the promotion of an Officer to Sargent

Kettering, Ohio – The Kettering Police Department announced the death of former long-time Officer Jeff Pedro. The Department says that Pedro passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021.

Pedro retired from the Kettering Police Department in 2014 after 25 years of service. During his time with the Kettering Police Department, Pedro worked as a patrol officer, a detective, a SWAT team member, a Field Training Officers, and in training and personnel. Pedro also served on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Tactical Officers Association. Pedro also held positions as an instructor and Commander at several local police academies.

According to Pedro’s obituary, he was 61 years old when he died. He was born in Massillon, Ohio, and graduated from Massillon High School in 1979. Pedro also graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1985. Pedro owned the SimTrainer shooting range in Moraine. Pedro also taught numerous classes at Stim Training. Pedro also coached youth football at different levels.

Pedro is survived by his mother Beverly Del Vecchio, wife of 41 years, Patty, 6 children - Jeffrey, Jr., Amy, Jason, Eric, Marc, and Daniel, 8 grandchildren – Louie, Joey, Barrett, Charlette, Audrey, Lillian, Isabella, and Olivia, and 3 siblings - Tim, Vince, and Debbie.

Calling hours will be Friday, October 15, 2021, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Fairhaven Church, 637 E. Whiff Rd., Centerville.

The family asks that those wishing to honor Pedro send donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon, instead of sending flowers. Pedro spent many hours at the club in his youth and was awarded the Club’s first Earle Bruce Scholarship in 1979. Donations can be made through www.massillonkids.org.

Amid their sorrow at losing a former officer, the Kettering Police Department is also celebrating the promotion of Chris Sanford to the rank of Sargent. Sgt. Sanford was officially sworn in at the October 12, 2021, Kettering City Council meeting. Sanford began his career with the Kettering Police Department in 2009. Sanford worked as a patrol officer until 2015 when he was promoted to a personnel and training position. In his new position, Sgt. Sanford will supervise the Midnight patrol shift.