October 6, 2025

Please note: Terry Dunlap did not respond to Pickerington Online’s interview request, the following information came from the Violet Township website at: http://www.violet.oh.us.

For more than six decades, Violet Township Trustee Terry J. Dunlap, Sr. has devoted his life to public service, community safety, and local traditions that make Pickerington and Violet Township feel like home.

Born and raised in Violet Township, Dunlap attended Pickerington schools before graduating from Watkins Memorial High School.

In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Fisher, of Baltimore. The couple raised three children who attended Pickerington schools, and today, several of their grandchildren have followed in their footsteps.

Dunlap’s long career in public service began with the Pickerington Police Department, where he served for many years before becoming the city’s Safety Services Director. He later worked in the security and investigations division of Nationwide Insurance, combining his dedication to safety with strong administrative experience.

After six decades in public safety, Dunlap retired as a peace officer in 2018, but his retirement didn’t slow him down. He continues to serve Violet Township as one of its three elected trustees, a role he has held since 2006.

Throughout his tenure, Dunlap has represented Violet Township on numerous regional and county boards, including the Fairfield County Regional Planning Commission, Route 33 Alliance, Fairfield County Township Association, and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. He also serves as a liaison to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the township’s Road and Parks Departments.

Outside of government, Dunlap’s dedication to the community is equally strong. A lifelong supporter of local youth programs, he spent years leading Cub Scout Pack 256 and helped establish Explorer Post 256, which mentors young adults pursuing careers in fire, EMS, and law enforcement.

When he’s not serving the township, Dunlap can often be found tending to his family farm on Basil-Western Road, where he grows hay, straw, pumpkins, and gourds sold through local markets under the name Sam’s Pumpkin Patch.

He’s also an active member of the Fairfield County Antique Tractor Club and a lifetime member of the Pickerington–Violet Township Historical Society.

Known for his approachable nature and practical outlook, Dunlap maintains an open-door policy for residents.

“Do as much as you can with what you have” has long been his guiding philosophy — one that reflects his deep roots in the township and his ongoing commitment to the people who call it home.