Oberlin School Resource Officer Billie Neadham dies

Oberlin's city and school community are mourning the death of Billie Neadham, the Oberlin Police Department's longtime school resource officer. Neadham, 54, died of natural causes at his home on Friday morning, according to the Lorain County Coroner's Office, although the death remains under investigation. The Oberlin Police Department announced Neadham's death in a Facebook post made Friday. He had been with the department for more than 18 years and had served as a school resource officer in Oberlin schools since 2010. "At this time, we join the Oberlin community in mourning this incredible loss and send our deepest sympathies to Officer Neadham's family and all those who knew him," the department said in its post. A request seeking comment was left with Police Chief Ryan Warfield. At a small memorial gathering Friday evening, Oberlin High School senior Hannah Dowling said she and her graduating class keenly felt Neadham's loss. "He was with us on our whole senior trip and everything," she said. "We went go-karting and he photo-bombed some of our photos. It was a lot of fun. He was definitely a fun guy." She said Neadham would be missed at graduation. "It is going to leave a hole in everyone's hearts, that's for sure," Dowling said. "He was just a great guy all around. No one was scared of him. I know our entire class loved him a lot, and he kept so many of us out of trouble. He really did." Firefighter Rick Kenny, who lives in Oberlin, described Neadham as "a great man, great person" who looked out for the students. "The way he looked over all of the kids in the high school and trying to get them on the right path, like they have been saying," Kenny said. "You know, he stuck with them. He wasn't a quitter, even when the kids were hard-headed and not wanting to listen at the time, eventually they did." According to the department, Neadham started as an auxiliary officer in 2007, but by 2009 had became a full-time patrol officer. In 2010, Neadham became a school resource officer in Oberlin Schools and began to oversee the Oberlin Police Explorers Program the same year. He later came to organize the department's Shop with a Cop and Safety Town programs. "Officer Neadham was more than a law enforcement officer — he was a trusted mentor, a positive role model, and a caring presence in our schools," Oberlin Schools Superintendent David Hall said in a statement Friday. "He built strong and supportive relationships with students, families and staff, always leading with compassion and integrity. His commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students made a lasting impact that will not be forgotten." Hall said that counseling would be available for both students and staff who needed support following Neadham's death. Additionally, Hall said that the district was working with Neadham's family and Oberlin police "to honor his life and legacy in the days ahead." He said that additional information would be available in the coming days. "Please keep Officer Neadham's family, colleagues and loved ones in your thoughts. His kindness, dedication, and service to our district will be deeply missed," Hall said. Contact Owen MacMillan at (440) 329-7123 or omacmillan@chroniclet.com.