Lonnie Creed Hill

Lonnie “Creed” Hill, a long-time resident of Jackson County, passed away at his home after a brief illness. He was considered by many who knew him, a legend in law enforcement in West Virginia as well as the state of Florida.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Sally Hill; brother, Nathan “Buzzy” Hill; and sisters, Trudy Arthur and Helen Stoner.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 30 years, Theresa Hill; daughter, Kelly Hill; sons, Adam Hill and Derek Hill; brother, Douglas Hill; sister, Jennette Becker; half-sisters, Mauna Doppies, Donna Brant, and Deborah Swaney; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

The eighty-one-year-old began his career in law enforcement with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department in 1967. He also served with the Ripley Police Department for a number of years. Creed was the first police officer in the history of Jackson County to graduate from the West Virginia State Police Basic Academy. He distinguished himself by graduating number one in the class of thirty-eight local police officers from around the state. During his time with the Ripley Police Department, he worked midnights and attended West Virginia State University during the day. He maintained a full-time status, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in four years.

Creed accepted a job with the Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency, and Corrections in 1974. He was soon promoted to the planning unit, where his duties included the development and implementation of programs to assist state and local police departments with training and equipment utilizing federal funds. He was responsible for the creation of West Virginia’s first ever statewide Crime Prevention Program.

In 1982, Creed secured a position with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department (PCSO) in Largo, Florida. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1986 and placed in command of the department’s newly created Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.). Under his stewardship, the S.T.E.P. unit led the entire state of Florida in DUI arrests and received numerous awards from community organizations. The unit was also featured on the cover of the National Sheriff’s Magazine June/July issue, 1986.

The PCSO elevated Creed to the position of Training Sergeant, where he was responsible for all in-service training conducted by the four-thousand-member department. While in the unit, he implemented the department’s first Precision Immobilization Technique (P.I.T.) program. This program was mandatory training for all patrol deputies in the department.

Creed was a state certified DUI instructor and expert witness. He taught in the Basic Police Academy sponsored by St. Petersburg Jr. College. He also instructed firearms, pursuit driving, P.I.T., Pepper Spray, Radar, and Intoxilyzer. In his pare time, he taught in the Associate Degree Program at the college, during night classes as an adjunct professor.

During his 23 year career with the sheriff’s department, Creed held supervisory positions in patrol, S.T.E.P., Training, Delta Street Crime Units, and the Major Accident Investigation Team. His outstanding work in these positions resulted in numerous letters of commendations and special recognition from the department. He received the Distinguished Service Award, Certificate of Professionalism Award, Excellent Service Award, and the Meritorious Recognition Award. The department also nominated him to receive the National Highway Safety Award in 1987.

When he retired, Creed moved back to the state he loved, residing in Sandyville on his farm, located on Creed Road.

At Creed’s request, there will be a private memorial service held for family and friends at Calvary United Methodist Church.

Creed requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting their website.