The welfare and prosperity of a community depend more largely than is generally recognized upon an efficient police force, and it is of greatest importance that men who stand as conservators of the public safety, of right and liberty, should be those whose records are irreproachable, who are fearless in conduct, faultless in honor and stainless in reputation. Such men become the safeguards of the public, awakening the confidence of the law-abiding elements and the fear of those who have little regard for the law. Certainly no higher testimonial to his efficient service could be given than the statement of the fact that George F. Irwin for sixteen years filled the office of city marshal in Troy. On the 2nd of April, 1900, he was appointed chief of police by the mayor and confirmed by the unanimous vote of the city council, and is now acceptably serving in that capacity.

He was born in Troy, September 19, 1851, and few of its residents are more widely, and certainly none are more favorably, known. His father, John Irwin, was for many years the miller at the canal lock. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Amy Horner, was a native of the Buckeye state, and died in 1858, but the father, long surviving, passed away at the age of seventy-seven years, in Oxford, Ohio.

During his early boyhood George F. Irwin followed the tow-path, along the Miami and Erie canal. He first became identified with the political interests of Troy in an official capacity when elected to the office of marshal, on the 6th of April, 1884. For seven successive terms he was re-elected to that position; his last term will complete an occupancy of that office of sixteen years. His service was at all times most commendable and efficient. Soon after his election to the office he broke up a noted gang of counterfeiters that had been operating in the old icehouse in the town, and for his service he was handsomely rewarded by the United States government with a nice sum of money. He was largely instrumental in procuring and working up the evidence in the Shank murder case, which resulted in sending Shank to the penitentiary for life. This gave him a wide and favorable reputation as a successful detective, and made him very popular in the southern part of the state. He has also been very successful in procuring and restoring stolen property to the owners. In the prosecution of his duties he has formed a wide acquaintance throughout the state among detectives and police officers, who are willing and ready at all times to render him a helping hand, as by his integrity and fair dealing he has endeared himself to all of them. He is a most conscientious, prompt and reliable man in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him, and his fellow townsmen repose the utmost confidence in him. For over six years he did all of the police work of Troy, but the city council then created a police force, to which they have added as the city grew until at present they have an efficient corps of officers.

In 1886 Mr. Irwin was united in marriage to Mrs. Sally E. Bates, nee Leavell, of Troy, who was born in the western part of Miami county. Socially Mr. Irwin is connected with Franklin Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M., of Troy; Troy Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the Ancient Order of United Workmen in Piqua. He is also a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Since attaining his majority he has given his support to the Republican party, and has labored earnestly and efficiently in its behalf, his efforts largely promoting its interests. In Troy, where he has so long resided, Mr. Irwin is familiarly known as "Pappy," a term that is indicative of his good fellowship, his genial manner and his uniform kindness. All these are qualities of the man, and it is only when justice requires sternness that the other side of his nature is shown. His circle of friends are very extensive, and he is considered one of the leading men of Troy.