MEET MATTHEW
NEW LEADERSHIP FOR IMPROVING PICKAWAY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT
Matthew Hafey has had a long history of community involvement. He began volunteering as a Cub Scout in Pack 744 of Ashville. He rose through the ranks and moved to Boy Scout Troop 159 of Ashville and Explorer Post 130 of Circleville. In 1990 he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
In 1992 Matthew graduated from Teays Valley High School. In 1993 he enlisted in the United States Navy. After boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois he was stationed at the Navy Presidential Honor Guard in Washington DC. He participated in various ceremonies in and around the Washington DC area at such places as the White House, the Pentagon, and Arlington National Cemetery, just to name a few. While in DC, Matthew was selected to work at the Pentagon for the Under Secretary for Public Affairs giving tours. He escorted thousands of visitors through the halls of the Pentagon, providing a history lesson of the US Armed Forces.
After Washington, Mathew was assigned to the USS Peterson (DD-969), a Spruance class destroyer. While on board he participated in counter narcotics operations with the US Coast Guard in South America. The ship also was attached to the Standing Naval Forces Atlantic. This is a NATO group which sails around the seas, ready at a moment's notice to be deployed anywhere needed.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy Matthew worked in logistics before getting into law enforcement. In 2003 Matthew joined the Circleville Police Department as a Communications/Jail Officer. While working as a Communication/Jail Officer, he attended Ohio University - Chillicothe's Southern Ohio Police Training Institute (SOPTI). He completed the academy in the fall of 2004 and was sworn in as a reserve officer. In May of 2005 he was hired as a full time officer at the Circleville Police Department. Matthew went on to complete his Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement Technology and graduated from Ohio University in 2006. Matthew continued his honorable service to the community at the Circleville Police Department for over 16 years. He attained the rank of Sergeant in March of 2015.
Matthew has received many awards and commendations over his career. These include, but not limited to:
2012, 2014 and 2018 - OVI impaired driving enforcement awards
2007 -Circleville Police Department Officer of the Year
2018 - Patriot Award for Community Service Excellence
2019 - Life Saving Award for saving the life of a teenager at a high school dance.
In 2019 Matthew decided to retire early from the Circleville Police Department and pursue his career long goal to run for Pickaway County Sheriff. This decision was made because he fully believes the law enforcement in Pickaway County needs new leadership that will improve the interdepartmental relationships. Matthew firmly believes agencies who work well together are able to accomplish so much more. This is the type of law enforcement leadership he will bring to Pickaway County.
In his spare time Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife, Mindy Fusetti-Hafey, and daughters, Elizabeth and Ashton as well as spending time outdoors. He enjoys hunting, shooting, boating and riding motorcycles. Matthew currently serves on the board of Haven House of Pickaway County as well as Foundations4Youth, of which he is a founding member. Matthew and Mindy are also members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Circleville.
