From Student to Protector: Zeph Nimon’s Journey Back to Lorain Schools

Lorain Police Officer Zeph Nimon’s newest assignment feels like coming home.

A proud alum of Lorain’s Southview High School, Class of 2007, Nimon is the newest school resource officer (SRO) for Lorain City Schools. After six years in law enforcement—four with the Lorain Police Department—Officer Nimon volunteered for the position, putting the safety of Lorain Schools’ students and staff first.

“On the road, I am sworn to protect the city, and I will continue to do that, but in this role, I am responsible for protecting this building, this district, and all students and staff,” Officer Nimon said Tuesday while working at Lorain High School.“It is a shift in mindset as an officer because, in this job, you often deal with people on their worst days. As the school resource officer, I will see students every day. Some days will be their best, and some days might be their worst. But they will eventually know you will be there every day—good or bad.”

Born and raised in Lorain, Officer Nimon is proud of his roots. He played baseball and basketball and participated in JROTC at Southview, which earned him a full scholarship to the University of Akron. After earning his bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in criminal justice, Nimon repaid his military debt with five years of Army service, including a six-month tour in Afghanistan.

Nimon began his law enforcement career in 2019. He is a Lorain officer, a SWAT team member, and an FAA-certified drone pilot.

Lorain Schools Executive Director of Safety and Security Reuben Figueroa said Officer Nimon is the right kind of officer for the SRO position.“He has a heart for the community and cares,” Figueroa said. “He’s invested because he understands. As a former student who went through Lorain Schools, he understands the highs and lows our students experience and wants to be here to be a role model and mentor.”

Although the school year has just started, Figueroa said Nimon has already signed up to be a presence at every football game. Nimon said he would have his drone in the trunk for those games and be ready to take it to the sky if a safety issue arises.

That forward-thinking is what Figueroa sees as an asset.

“Officer Nimon knows how to collaborate with the schools, adjust when needed, and adapt to the different challenges that may arise, which requires a different mindset than being in the community,” Figueroa shared.

Nimon joins Officer Nick Gerace, who was hailed as a hero last school year when gunshots rang out just as Washington Elementary School was dismissing for the day, and retired Officer Dave Kusnir, who is returning to the SRO role.

“We have the right people in the right positions with this team, not to mention the great working relationship we have with the Lorain Police Department,” Figueroa said. “Officer Nimon is such a great addition. We have never had an SRO with his training and background.”

In the first week of school, Officer Nimon had a heartwarming experience when he stopped by Stevan Dohanos Elementary School and spent time with his favorite elementary school teacher, now Principal Marie Deshuk.

“Zeph was always a stellar student who was focused and diligent with his work,” Principal Deshuk said. “He was also kind and fair toward others throughout elementary school.”

Now, Officer Nimon spreads that kindness to all students.

“I know a lot of people think you can’t be very successful coming from Lorain. Either you’re blue-collar or not,” Nimon said. “But I am proof you can leave Lorain, pursue your dreams, see the world, and tell all the people who say once you leave Lorain that you will never come back that you can come home again. You can always give back to your community.”