Xenia captains credited with advancing programs in police, fire service

After a combined 54 years of service in the city of Xenia, two captains are set to retire.

Police Capt. Alonzo Wilson and Fire Capt. Jason Kinley are finishing their careers in public safety with several accolades from the city.

Wilson’s last day is today, and Sunday would have marked his 28th anniversary since being hired full-time as a Xenia police officer.

Wilson worked as a detective, canine officer and a SWAT member before his promotion to captain in June 2016, when he took command of the special services section — which includes the criminal investigation section; D.A.R.E.; school resource officer; domestic violence unit.

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Wilson is credited with being instrumental in establishing an Internet child protection unit, for which he received the 2002 Leadership Award and the 2003 Ohio Distinguished Law Enforcement Service Award. During his career, Wilson also received the 2001 Casey Elliott Memorial Award, the 2009 Distinguished Service Award and a certificate of recognition from Chicago police for his interrogation of a murder suspect that resulted in charges, according to the city.

Xenia Police Division Chief Donald Person said Wilson’s leadership and mentoring will be missed.

“Captain Wilson can always be counted upon to do the right things for the right reason in a fair and just manner,” Person said in a prepared statement.

Capt. Kinley served in the U.S. Air Force prior to his service with the Xenia Fire Division, where he helped launch pre-hospital medicine programs and the department’s drone team, which help in searching for missing persons, according to the city.

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During his career, Kinley responded to several notable fires, including ones at Hooven and Allison, NAPA Auto Parts, OSSO Home Dairy Barn, Dayton Container, Walter Sellers Apartments and Deer Creek Apartments, according to the city.

Xenia Fire Chief Ken Riggsby described Kinley as “a true asset” and “always a dedicated firefighter, paramedic.”

“Captain Kinley helped advance the division’s mission of life safety and served energetically and with the utmost commitment to the public.”

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