The City of Piqua is proud to announce that Officer Brett Marrs has earned promotion to the rank of lieutenant with the Piqua Police Department.
Piqua City Manager Paul Oberdorfer administered the oath of office during a special ceremony held Tuesday, February 24. Marrs steps into his new leadership role after more than two decades of service to the Piqua community.
Lt. Marrs was hired by the Piqua Police Department in October 2004. Since joining the department, he has served in a variety of assignments and has built a reputation for steady leadership, institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to the community he has served his entire life.
His promotion carries special meaning both personally and professionally.
“Being a lieutenant for the Piqua Police Department has always been one of my career goals,” Marrs said. “This is certainly a big step forward for my career, but it is by no means the end of the line.”
Marrs’ service is part of a proud family legacy within the department. His father, Jeff Marrs, was hired by the Piqua Police Department in October 1978 and served until his retirement in October 2003. His assigned badge number was 220.
At just 9 years old, Marrs knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. He was hired in October 2004 and was honored to be assigned his father’s former badge number. At his original oath of office ceremony, his father pinned on his badge. On Tuesday, he had the opportunity to do so again as Marrs was promoted to lieutenant.
“As a young boy, I always knew my dad was a police officer, but I didn’t fully understand what he did until I was around 9,” Marrs said, recalling a night after a football game at Wertz Stadium when he watched his father run across Main and Water streets to assist in an arrest. “Since then, being a Piqua police officer is all I’ve wanted to do.”
Growing up around the department shaped his values and perspective.
“Being around this department my whole life, I’ve always felt the officers were part of my extended family,” Marrs said. “Throughout the last 20-plus years, my dad has been a constant source of guidance. I know the lessons he learned from the guys I grew up watching, and I certainly strive to be as good as them. I’m not perfect and have more than once fallen short, but overall, I hope I have made them all proud.”
While inspired by those who came before him, Marrs has also focused on building his own path in law enforcement.
“As much as I’ve tried to be like those guys from the past, I have also strived to make my own path,” he said. “I try to take the best of everyone, adapt a few things for the changing of the times and be me.”
Police Chief Rick Byron said Marrs’ experience, perspective and connection to the department’s history make him a strong addition to the leadership team.
“Brett brings more than 20 years of service, a deep understanding of our department’s culture and a genuine commitment to this community,” Byron said. “His leadership reflects both respect for our traditions and readiness to guide the department forward.”
The process of selecting a lieutenant is governed by rules and regulations established by the Civil Service Commission and administered by the City of Piqua’s human resources director.
In this promotional process, the City’s established procedure included consideration of internal candidates utilizing a written exam where candidates were required to achieve a minimum passing score to advance to an assessment center proctored by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. Candidates also participated in a thorough panel interview process. The panel of five included two community members, the human resources director, the utilities director and the police chief.
“Lt. Marrs distinguished himself throughout a competitive promotional process,” City of Piqua Human Resources Director Catherine Bogan said. “His experience, professionalism and long-standing commitment to the department and community were evident at every stage.”
For more information about the Piqua Police Department or the Civil Service Commission, visit piquaoh.gov.
