By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
Jeffrey Shook was named New Washington’s police chief Monday night after a long and thorough search process.
Fifteen applications were received, nine people were interviewed, four were interviewed twice, and two were interviewed three times before Mayor Ben Lash made his recommendation to Village Council Monday night. Resolution 1259 was ratified unanimously confirming Shook in the post.
“I can only hope to do half the job Scott Robertson did,” Shook said, speaking of his predecessor. “I have to fill his shoes.”
Robertson died unexpectedly Aug. 21.
Shook is in possession of a resume` that would indicate he is up to the task. He is retired from the Mansfield Police Department, formerly a Franklin County deputy sheriff, served on a child Internet crimes task force, and worked at Ashland University helping police officers attain degrees.
When asked what brought him out of retirement, Shook stated, “I needed to get back and get my feet wet serving communities.”
Shook will assume his post beginning Feb. 16.
Representatives from the American Legion Post gave council an update about proceedings for the 2015 Hatchery Festival. The Legion will be running this year’s event after taking over from the New Washington Community Improvement Corporation. They are finalizing paperwork to receive donations and everything appears set to go forward. Lash asked that the group send a representative once a month to council meetings to keep the Village apprised of the situation.
Melinda Teynor and Amber Workman from the United Way of Crawford County presented Fire Chief Dick Ackerman with a $400 donation. Councilman Joe Blum was given the go-ahead to spend $252 on the signs for Chief Robertson Memorial Way.