Milton Bernard “Bernie” Dills

Cincinnati Police Lieutenant
Greater Cincinnati Police Museum Board Director

Bernie was born October 21, 1934 to Clergyman Milton W. and Mary Ellen (Olohan) Dills of Council Bluffs, Iowa. During 1943, the family moved to Cincinnati.

Bernie joined the Cincinnati Police Division on September 9, 1957, as a Police Recruit. He was promoted to Patrolman on January 6, 1958, issued Badge 93, and assigned to District 6 (3295 Erie Avenue). On June 14, 1959, he was rotated to District 2 (314 Broadway) and again a year later to District 7 (813 Beecher Street). Patrolman Dills transferred back to District 6 in 1964.

He was one of the first group of officers promoted to the new rank of Police Specialist on February 27, 1966 and issued Badge PS-93. On October 30, 1966, he was promoted to Sergeant, issued Badge S-18, and reassigned to District 7. Five years later, Sergeant Dills was transferred to the Community Relations Bureau. He graduated from the National Crime Prevention Institute at the University of Louisville in 1972. During March 1978, he was elected President of the new Ohio Crime Prevention Association. Sergeant Dills also served in District 4 (4150 Reading Road), Operations Bureau, and Community Assistance Section.

He was promoted to Lieutenant on March 3, 1980, issued Badge L-51, and reassigned to Erie Avenue, by then District 2. Lieutenant Dills also served in the Services Bureau, Community Assistance Section, and Technical Services Bureau. Lieutenant Dills retired on March 1, 1987.

Two weeks later, he was rehired as an Administrative Assistant II and Burglar Alarm Coordinator. He resigned March 30, 1994, with 36 years of service and 55 letters of appreciation and/or commendation.

In 1988, he and his wife, Barbara, joined the Greater Cincinnati Police Historical Society’s Board of Directors and remained members until they moved to Florida. After the Cincinnati Police Museum opened in 2006, they also worked as volunteer Docents.