Police officer mourned

PERKINS TWP. — Family, friends and members of the Oberlin community mourned the loss of an Oberlin police officer who is originally from Sandusky. Patrol Officer Billie Ray Neadham passed away at his residence in Lorain on the morning of May 9, according to a post from the City of Oberlin. He was 54. Neadham — known by many as "Peter" — was born Dec. 27, 1970, in Sandusky to Raymond J. Neadham and the late Lillie Ruth Neadham (née McGill), according to his obituary posted by Brown-Robinson Funeral Home. He graduated from Perkins Schools in 1989 and enlisted in the U.S. Army before beginning a career in law enforcement. The City of Oberlin and Oberlin police shared the following online: Officer Neadham has been a dedicated member of the Oberlin Police Department for over 18 years, beginning as an Auxiliary Patrol Officer in 2007, becoming a Part-Time Patrol Officer in 2008, and then a Full-Time Patrol Officer in 2009. Officer Neadham also served as the School Resource Officer in the Oberlin City Schools and led the Police Explorers Program since 2010. Additionally, Officer Neadham organized many community programs like Oberlin Safety Town and the Shop with a Cop program. With Officer Neadham's long-standing relationship with the Oberlin Schools, the Oberlin School district has arranged for grief counseling for students and staff. More information will be shared as it becomes available. At this time, we join the Oberlin Police Department and the Oberlin community in mourning this incredible loss and send our deepest sympathies to Officer Neadham's family and all those who knew him. To honor his memory, Oberlin police parked Neadham's cruiser in front of Oberlin City Hall and invited residents to stop by and leave flowers, notes or other items to help remember him. "Outside of his uniform, Billie was known for his passion for music as a DJ, his love of riding motorcycles, traveling, and hosting community events," his obituary states. "He found joy in maintaining his yard and spending quality time with his beloved family." He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Cherice Neadham (née Cook); his loving children, Tylan R. Neadham, Devontae M. Gholson and Gabrielle Neadham, and many others, his obituary states. "Officer Billie Ray Neadham's life was a testament to honor, community and service," his obituary states. "He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege to know and love him." Visitation was hosted on Friday and Saturday and an internment took place on Saturday at Perkins Cemetery.