DAVID GILLISPIE

LIMA — Sgt. David R. Gillispie, 43, died Monday, March 21, 2016, in Spencerville, Ohio.

Gillispie was a Police Sergeant with the Lima Police Department (Ohio) serving his community with distinction and honor for nearly 20 years.

He was born in Circleville, Ohio on February 26, 1973, son of David R. and Ruth McNeil Gillispie. He was proceeded in death by his father. His mother survives in Chillicothe, Ohio. On September 9, 2002 he married Tara M. Whitling, who survives along with five children; Miranda and David Gillispie, both of Cincinnati; Keaton, Landyn and Ella Gillispie, all at home and his mother and father-in-law, John and "Momma Dee" Whitling of Spencerville.

He was appointed to the Lima Police Department as a patrolman on September 4,1996. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a 1992 graduate of Circleville High School. Dave was assigned to work as a community police officer in the north end of Lima from June 9, 1999 to 2002. In 2000 Officer David Gillispie was assigned to work with the Lima-Allen county Narcotics Task Force. Officer Gillispie performed his duties well, working varied hours without complaint. He was able to utilize his skills in areas within his C.O.P territories.

Officer Gillispie was a member of the SWAT team which is now known as ETU (Enhanced Tactical Unit). He was also assistant commander of this unit. On September 22, 2012, Officer Gillispie was promoted to the position of sergeant. His recent assignment was supervising third shift patrol. Sgt. Gillispie was a member of the LPD Bike team and honor guard. He was appointed as an investigator working with the FBI on the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes against Children Task Force. In 2010 he received the outstanding service award for his work and efforts while investigating crimes against children.

In 2014, Sgt. Gillispie was named Ohio's Finest Law Enforcement Officer. The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police awarded Sergeant David Gillispie Ohio's Finest Law Enforcement Officer Award. He was one of 10 officers from around the state of Ohio up for the award. The 19 year veteran of the Lima Police force was also named Law Officer of the Year by the Lima Exchange Club earlier that year.

Sgt. Gillispie was the officer that was attacked outside the Lima Police Station in March of 2013 by an assailant with a screwdriver. Gillispie was stabbed in the attack and defended himself by shooting and wounding the assailant.

He attended Only Believe Ministries in Botkins; was a member of the FOP Lodge#21 in Lima and a member of the Ohio Tactical Officers Association. He was a devoted and loving husband and father who enjoyed fishing and playing with his children. He truly loved every aspect of his job and the people he worked with. He excelled at everything he put his mind to at work; he was a tactical genius, repelled from tall buildings and enjoyed being part of the bike team.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Friday, March 25 at the THOMAS E. BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME at 728 East Fourth Street (St.Rt. 117 East) in Spencerville. A FOP memorial service will be conducted at 8 PM.

Funeral services will be at 1 PM on Saturday, March 26 at the SHAWNEE ALLIANCE ACTIVITY CENTER 4450 Shawnee Road, Lima, Ohio, with Pastor Peter Doseck officiating. Internment will immediately follow in the Gethsemani Cemetery in Lima. Graveside services will be conducted by the Lima Police Department Honor Guard. Visitation on Saturday is from 12 to 1 PM at the center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff @woh.rr.com.