BATAVIA, Ohio — The Batavia Police Department has sworn in two new officers, adding Officer Keyes and Officer Rai to its ranks, the department announced.

Mayor Steve Staton administered the oath of office to both officers in a ceremony at the village municipal building, and Police Chief Eric Williams welcomed them to the department, according to a post from the department.

Batavia Mayor Steve Staton swears in Officer Rai
Batavia Mayor Steve Staton swears in Officer Rai. Photo: Batavia Police Department

“The Batavia Police Department welcomes Officer Keyes and Officer Rai to our Batavia family,” the department said in its post, congratulating the pair on joining the force.

Staton took office as Batavia’s mayor on Sept. 28, after longtime Mayor C. Scott Runck retired following nearly three decades of public service to the village. Staton had served as vice mayor and is now serving a four-year term set to expire Dec. 31, 2027.

Batavia Mayor Steve Staton swears in Officer Keyes
Batavia Mayor Steve Staton swears in Officer Keyes. Photo: Batavia Police Department

Williams was sworn in as Batavia’s police chief in a ceremony at the village municipal building in March 2025. He brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience to the role, including a previous stint as chief of police in New Richmond and service with police departments in Union Township, Lincoln Heights and Fairfield Township. Williams is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Batavia Police Chief Eric Williams welcomes Officer Keyes
Batavia Police Chief Eric Williams welcomes Officer Keyes. Photo: Batavia Police Department

Batavia is the county seat of Clermont County.

The information contained in this story was obtained from the Batavia Police Department.

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