Middletown police place 5th on CBS show ‘Lip Sync to the Rescue’

Finally, Middletown was announced as No. 5.

Laughter filled the arena as a portion of the video was shown on four large screens.

Several Middletown police and city officials attended the event. Those in attendance were fed popcorn and, of course, donated doughnuts from Central Pastry and Milton’s.

The police department was featured in a lip sync video performing country music group Lady Antebellum’s hit song, “Need You Now.” The video was viewed more than 10 million times.

“I think it’s incredible,” Chief Rodney Muterspaw said after being told about his department’s selection to be featured on the show. “It’s awesome for the community.”

The video was shot by Average Joe Films and produced and shot by Middletown native Joseph Cox, 25, with assistance from Haydn “Wolfie” Koeller, 24. Cox said the video was shot in about six hours and his company donated its services. Shooting began at 10 a.m., and 12 hours later, the video was finished.

Cox said he wanted to get the video posted quickly because he thought the “fad would be over” in two days. Within the first 24 hours, the video was viewed 2 million times and Lady Antebellum was so impressed the band invited members of the police department to attend its concert at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati.

“I never expected this,” Cox said of the national attention. “I figured we’d shoot a goofy little video and make it humorous.”

Muterspaw said officers wanted to make the community laugh.

“It’s amazing how something so goofy could turn out that big,” he said. “I’m kind of stunned.”