Congratulations to Tony Lemmon on being named the 2025 Leadership Wooster Distinguished Alumni Award recipient!

Captain Tony Lemmon of the Wooster Police Department is being recognized for his nearly 30 years of dedicated service, leadership, and community contributions.

A lifelong Wooster resident and Wooster High School graduate, Lemmon pursued a degree in Criminology at Bowling Green State University before returning to serve his hometown. Throughout his career, Lemmon has worked as a Road Officer, Sergeant, Detective, and now Captain, overseeing 44 officers. Over the years, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Wooster community.

In 2012, Lemmon graduated from the Chamber’s Leadership Wooster program. Although he was not yet a supervisor, he desired to develop as a leader and requested to participate. The program broadened his perspective of the community he thought he knew so well and expanded his personal and professional network, which he described as invaluable to his role in law enforcement.

“It’s nice to put a face with the badge,” Lemmon said. “They have the opportunity to call somebody they’re familiar with, and hopefully get answers to the questions they have.” This understanding of the community’s expectations has shaped his leadership style and approach to his career.

Beyond his work with the police department, Lemmon has remained involved with Leadership Wooster by serving on its steering committee. He has also given back through roles on the United Way board and allocations committee, the Children’s Advocacy Center board, and a Salvation Army steering committee. His engagement has strengthened his community impact and ability to serve.

As a leader, Lemmon has learned to delegate and equip his team with the tools and confidence they need to succeed, especially in an ever-changing field that requires quick, independent decision-making. He chooses to lead by example, sharing his experiences both good and bad. “When I leave here, it should be better than when I started,” he said.

Receiving this recognition is a meaningful honor for Lemmon because of his connection to this community. “I wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else.”

The Leadership Wooster Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to a graduate of the Leadership Wooster program who exemplifies the essence of leadership. Selection criteria include leadership roles the nominee has held, organizations participated in, and significant contributions that have been made to enhance the quality of life in the Wooster area.

2025 Leadership Wooster Distinguished Alumni Award - Tony Lemmon