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Tow Rotation Program
General Information
Staff Directory
Location
Marysville,
OH
43040

Tow Rotation Program

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Tow Rotation Program


Towing Rotation Program Update

The Union County Sheriff’s Office towing rotation program is currently undergoing an update to ensure compliance with Ohio law, Union County requirements, and operational needs.

The current towing rotation will remain in place until June 1, 2026. After June 1, 2026, only towing companies that have completed the new application process and meet all requirements will be permitted to participate in the rotation.

The application period is now open, and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office maintains towing rotation lists to support safe and timely roadway clearance and vehicle removal during law enforcement incidents. Placement on a towing list is based on meeting minimum requirements and demonstrating the capabilities needed for the type of incidents a company wishes to handle.

Towing Service Categories

Standard

Standard (Light Duty)

Primary service for passenger vehicles and routine towing needs.

Minimum required equipment: Rollback

Examples

  • Passenger vehicles that are law enforcement impounds, abandoned, and or disabled
  • Light winch-outs where the vehicle is pulled from the scene and is then capable of being driven away
  • Passenger vehicle crashes that do not require more than an absorbent to be used to clean up spills

Commercial

Commercial (Medium)

Service for larger vehicles and more complex incidents requiring additional capability.

Minimum required equipment: Rollback and Heavy wrecker
Heavy wrecker defined as: A wrecker capable of towing a disabled semi-truck and a loaded trailer

Examples

  • Commercial vehicles or trucks greater than one ton, with or without a trailer
  • Passenger vehicles involved in crashes which involve rollovers and do not require more than an absorbent to be used to clean up spills
  • Medium to heavy winch-outs of passenger vehicles that are not in waterways

Specialty

Specialty / Recovery

Advanced recovery service for severe crashes, off-road recoveries, and complex incidents requiring specialized tools, equipment, and mitigation capability.

Minimum required equipment includes:
  • Rollback
  • Heavy wrecker
  • Rotator
  • Skid steer
  • Chain saw or specialty saws
  • Semi wrecker with a tilt deck trailer
  • Dump trailers or dumpster capability
  • Spill clean-ups and mitigation capability

Examples

  • Rollover commercial vehicles
  • Commercial vehicles off the roadway
  • Crashes over embankment into waterways
  • Commercial crashes in which the vehicle or vehicles have lost one or more axles

How we use these categories

How We Use the Categories

Dispatch selects the appropriate category based on vehicle type, scene conditions, and recovery needs.

  • Standard (Light Duty) is used for most routine towing and removals involving passenger vehicles.
  • Commercial (Medium) is used for commercial vehicles or more complex incidents when additional capability is needed.
  • Specialty / Recovery is used for severe crashes and complex recoveries requiring specialized equipment and spill mitigation capability.

The Sheriff’s Office may bypass rotation when incident conditions require an immediate specialty or heavy-duty response.

Minimum Requirements to Participate

Insurance Minimums (Union County)

  • General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
  • Auto Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
  • Workers’ Compensation: In compliance with Ohio law

Required Documentation to Remain Active

  • Current certificate of liability insurance showing coverage listed above
  • Proof of Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN)
  • Copy of a valid Ohio Vendor’s License (Ohio Department of Taxation)
  • Proof of registration with PUCO and copies of PUCO tax receipts for each vehicle operated
  • Impound or storage lot located within Union County (address required)

Capability Questionnaire

The new application contains a capabilities survey. This helps the Sheriff’s Office identify which companies can safely handle light-duty, commercial/medium, and specialty/recovery incidents.

Examples of Scenarios Used in the Survey

  • Passenger vehicles which are law enforcement impounds, abandoned, and/or disabled
  • Light winch outs – vehicles pulled from scene and then capable of being driven away
  • Passenger vehicles involved in crashes which do not require more than an absorbent to be used to clean up spills
  • Commercial vehicles or trucks greater than one ton with or without a trailer
  • Passenger vehicle rollovers that do not require more than an absorbent to be used to clean up spills
  • Medium to heavy winch outs of passenger vehicles that are not in waterways
  • Rollover commercial vehicles
  • Commercial vehicles off roadway
  • Crashes over embankment into waterways
  • Commercial crashes where the vehicle has lost one or more axles

Application Process

  1. Complete the towing rotation application and provide all required documentation.
  2. The Sheriff’s Office reviews submissions for compliance and capabilities.
  3. Companies that meet requirements may be approved for one or more towing lists.
  4. Companies that do not meet requirements may reapply once compliance is achieved.

Interested in applying? Watch this page for updates or contact the Sheriff’s Office Communications Division.

Contact: Sheriff’s Office Communications Director, Nate Coffield
Email: UCSOTowRotation@unioncountyohio.gov

All current towing rotation members are required to submit a 2026 application to remain on the rotation. Failure to complete the new application process may result in removal from the towing rotation after June 1, 2026.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a company be on more than one list?

Yes. A company may qualify for the Standard (Light Duty) category and also be approved for Commercial (Medium) or Specialty / Recovery if documentation and capabilities support that designation.

What if we don't meet the minimum requirement today?

Companies that do not meet the minimum requirements may reapply once compliance is achieved and the necessary documentation is available.

Why does the Sheriff’s Office require an impound or storage lot within Union County?

Local storage supports timely retrieval, reduces delays for vehicle owners and investigators, and improves operational efficiency during law enforcement-ordered tows.