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The new application process is under construction and will be released soon. All current participants must reapply to remain on the rotation after the deadline.
June 1, 2026
Program Update
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 which are law enforcement impounds, abandoned, and/or disabled
- Light winch-outs — vehicles pulled from the scene and then capable of being driven away
- Passenger vehicles involved in crashes that do not require more than an absorbent to be used to clean up spills
Commercial
Commercial (Medium)
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 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 / dumpster capability
- Capable of performing spill clean-ups and mitigation
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 Used for most routine towing and removals involving passenger vehicles.
- Commercial Used for commercial vehicles or more complex incidents when additional capability is needed.
- Specialty 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
- General Liability:Â $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
- Auto Liability:Â $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
- Workers' Compensation: In compliance with Ohio law
Required Documentation
- Current certificate of liability insurance showing coverage listed
- 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 that 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
- Complete the towing rotation application and provide all required documentation.
- The Sheriff's Office reviews submissions for compliance and capabilities.
- Companies that meet requirements may be approved for one or more towing lists.
- Companies that do not meet requirements may reapply once compliance is achieved.
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.
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 requirements 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.
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