The Worthington City Council chamber was filled with current and retired officers, firefighters, and city staff on Monday evening as the city recognized Officer Steve Early upon his retirement after a distinguished 36-year career with the Worthington Division of Police and more than 45 years in law enforcement.
A Career Built on Service
Officer Early's law enforcement journey began in an unexpected way. As Lieutenant Mike Holton, the longest-serving officer in the Worthington Police Department, recounted during the ceremony, Early started at the Sharon Township Service Department in 1977. It was there that Sharon Township Police Chief Hale would visit the maintenance building with police cruisers, sparking Early's interest in law enforcement.
"Steve thought those were pretty nice cars, and I think he believed that he was better suited to be a police officer than he was a service worker," Lt. Holton recalled.
Chief Hale sponsored Early for the police academy in Reynoldsburg, where he graduated in 1980 and was immediately hired as a full-time officer for Sharon Township. His career path then took a unique turn—he served as a railroad police officer for Conrail before moving to Perry Township Police Department for over six years. He joined the Worthington Division of Police in 1989.
Embodying Core Values
Lt. Holton highlighted how Officer Early exemplified the Worthington Police Department's core values throughout his career: commitment to duty, honesty, integrity, respect, and professionalism.
"Steve is one of those guys who would volunteer to come in early, stay late, work on days off, work special events, special details, special duty," Holton said. "In the entire time that he's been with the Worthington Division of Police and before, I can tell you that I have never heard anybody say an ill word about Steve, never had a citizen complaint or an employee complaint against Steve."
Officer Early was recognized twice as Worthington Police Officer of the Year—in 2005 and 2013.
Stay connected to what's happening in Worthington, Ohio.
Continuing to Serve
Even after retiring as a full-time officer in 2018, Officer Early continued his dedicated service as a reserve officer, volunteering at community events including the Memorial Day Parade, Market Day Festival, and Fourth of July celebrations. He also served as the city's first security officer, attending every meeting of City Council, the Architectural Review Board, Municipal Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Mayor's Court. He also delivered City Council packets and interoffice mail.
Mayor Scott Holmes presented the official proclamation, which read in part: "Officer Steve Early retired January 30 of 2026 after a distinguished 36-year career of service to the City of Worthington and more than 45 years in law enforcement, reflecting a lifelong commitment to public safety and community service."
Personal Tributes
The emotional ceremony included tributes from multiple sources. Cynthia Crane, Chairperson of the Worthington Board of Zoning Appeals, sent an email that was read during the meeting: "Officer Early's demeanor was always confidently calm and welcoming, reassuring both board members and the public that our meetings would be safe and orderly. He rarely spoke during the meetings, yet I know from conversations afterwards that he missed nothing."
Council members also shared personal reflections. One council member who receives hand-delivered council packets spoke of treasured conversations with Officer Early over the past four years.
"I have a ring doorbell, and I can't tell you how many times he's like, 'hey,' on the doorbell," the council member said. "I loved your input. I loved the perception and the thoughts that you had from sitting on the other side of this desk. And you have been an asset, an absolute asset and a gem and a jewel."
A Humble Response
When given the opportunity to address the room, Officer Early was characteristically humble.
"I had a lot, lot, lot, lot of people get me to this," Early said. "People I've worked with, fire chiefs, council members, directors, their personnel, city managers... I want to thank them. I wish they were all here, but the building's not big enough, unfortunately."
Mayor Holmes also acknowledged the family support that enabled Early's long career, particularly his wife Lynn. "It becomes extremely difficult to do a job that you're passionate about if you don't have the support of your family," Lt. Holton noted.
Chief of Police Stephen Mylett extended an open invitation to Early, noting that "there's always volunteer opportunities in the police department" and that he would always be welcome to return.
The ceremony concluded with photos of Officer Early surrounded by his colleagues and supporters, a fitting tribute to a man who spent his career serving and protecting the Worthington community.