Tipp’s newest police officer thought his future would revolve around sports

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Jacob Ambos thought he would be in sports. A standout football player for Tipp City High School, he thought his future would revolve around athletics. He admits that he was obsessed. He even went to the University of Cincinnati to pursue a degree in Sports Administration. Then, something happened. Ambos said, "I woke up one day, and it hit me: I want to help people in a way that really matters." So, he pivoted to earning a degree in Criminal Justice. This came as a surprise to his family, too, but Jacob said they didn’t falter in getting fully on board with his epiphany. His journey—and COVID—would take him farther away before bringing him home. His path took a detour through Charlotte, North Carolina, where he started his career in policing. "I spent four years working in one of Charlotte's most dangerous neighborhoods, near the airport—one of the highest-crime areas in the country. The training there is invaluable." And when I ask what drew him back to Tipp City, his answer is simple: "Home." He said with an affectionate smile. Each visit became harder to leave.

Even though it was a difficult four years on Charlotte's toughest streets, Ambos said, "I have no regrets. I would not change being there. I gained immeasurable experience. Charlotte taught me to block out the noise and focus." When asked for a standout moment, he bypasses the action clichés of shootouts and car chases—instead, he remembers saving a life with CPR. In a world that idolizes tough-guy bravado, his humility shines through.

After six months of grueling interviews with Tipp City Police, he got the call he'd been praying for—the happiest moment of his life. He admitted he shed a few tears. He said, "Coming back to my roots, coming full circle, knowing I now had the opportunity to give back to a town that has given my family and me so much—it was the best feeling."

Speaking of family, Ambos gushed about his parents, stepfather, siblings, and girlfriend. Ambos did not hold back when talking about his mom, Ivy Jo Blake, a Tipp native. "My mom is my biggest inspiration. I do not know where I would be without her. She is my best friend. She has always supported me." Ambos credits his whole family, including his girlfriend Brandy and her family, with being his "supporting staff." His supporting staff had plenty to say about Jacob as well. His mother, Ivy Jo, said, "I am very proud of Jacob and what he accomplished in NC with his commitment to protect and serve, but I am ecstatic he decided to come home and continue that commitment in his hometown that shaped him into the man he is today." Jacob's stepfather, Adam Blake, said, "Our entire family and I are very happy Jacob decided to come home and work here. Tipp City will be safer with a community-minded police officer like Jacob. Knowing Jacob as I do, we are lucky to have him." Chief of Police Greg Adkins said, "Jacob possesses the skills and abilities we seek in a new member of our team. The department's focus on service, tradition, and community-oriented policing aligns well with his values. Jacob is from Tipp City and has strong roots in the community. Officers with local ties can be especially effective as they understand what makes Tipp City a great place to live and serve."

When he isn't on the clock, you can find Jacob doing outdoor activities and catching up with his family. Ambos was very poised, thoughtful, and considerate. With every question, Jacob's focus naturally went outside of himself and to the community. Sitting across from him, I could not help but think how lucky Tipp City is to have such a caring and conscientious Police Officer on its crew.