EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — Brandon King, the mayor of East Cleveland, sent a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine on June 28 requesting assistance from the Ohio National Guard and State Defense for the city’s police.

“The East Cleveland Police Department, which once consisted of over 40 peace officers, has been reduced by more than 50 percent,” King wrote in the letter. “Consequently, the diminished capacity of our Peace Officers to deliver safe and timely service has become a matter of grave concern.”

He notes that a plan that comes with increased wages is currently in negotiations but that it will take time to fully implement and shore up the department’s staff. He was asking for National Guard assistance in the meantime.

“Therefore, I respectfully request that you allocate manpower from the Ohio National Guard and State Defense to bolster our endeavors in maintaining public safety and security within our City limits,” King wrote. “This collaboration will undoubtedly strengthen our collective ability to respond effectively to calls for service and ensure the protection of our community members.”

Dan Tierney, the press secretary for Gov. Mike DeWine’s office, confirmed they received the letter.

“In response, the governor directed Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson to reach out to East Cleveland to offer law enforcement support from the Ohio State Highway Patrol,” he wrote in an email to Spectrum News 1. “The city and patrol are currently coordinating on details.”

This is how they have provided support to other law enforcement agencies in similar positions in the past, he said.

Spectrum News 1 has reached out to King on this matter but has not yet received a response.