READING — Police Chief Robert Huelsman left this city a safer place, especially for children.

        In 1992, he coordinated a program with the National Child Safety Council to teach youngsters about drug and alcohol awareness, child molestation, crime prevention and general safety.

        He established a police department liaison with the schools and went into third-grade classes to teach about the importance of seat belts for car safety.

        Chief Huelsman also worked with John Varis, former superintendent of Reading schools, to pass Ohio House Bill 180, known as Megan's Law. The law requires police to notify schools and neighbors when a convicted sexual predator moves into a community.

        On Friday, Chief Huelsman publicly announced his retirement, to take effect Jan. 31. He died the same day, at his Mason home, of a heart attack. He was 53.

        His wife, Jane, said he really enjoyed meeting and talking to people.

        And “he was a real family man,” Mrs. Huelsman said.

        Reading Mayor Earl Schmidt said Chief Huelsman was a fair and honest man who served the community well.

        “He was just a very down to earth person. He tried to do the right things at all times, even under some difficult circumstances,” said Mayor Schmidt, who worked closely with Chief Huelsman during the last six years. “He was easy to work with and had the city at heart when he made decisions.”

        Chief Huelsman served on the Reading police force for three decades and as police chief for the past 17 years.

        He became acting chief in May 1983. Three years later, he became the permanent chief.

        He was a former president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of the Hamilton County Police Chiefs' Association.

        Other survivors are a son, Joe, and a daughter, Jen, both of Mason; a sister, Carol Miller of Deer Park; and one grandchild.

        Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at Schmidt-Dhonau Funeral Home, 8633 Reading Road, Reading. Funeral is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 177 Siebenthaler Road, Reading 45215. Burial: Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Montgomery.

        Memorials: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church.

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