Commissioner Dane Shryock honored as Coshoctonian; other chamber awards presented

COSHOCTON − A longtime community servant as a police detective and county commissioner was named Coshoctonian at the recent annual awards and banquet by the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce.

Former chamber president Kirby Hasseman in his presentation speech said one just needs to look at the life of Dane Shryock to find clues, as Hasseman called them, as to why Shryock has been a successful champion of the county and deserved the highest local honor viewed as a lifetime achievement award.

The first Coshoctonian was Edward E. Montgomery in 1983. Last year's winner was Bob Bigrigg.The goal is to recognize an individual's long-term contributions to the well-being and economic climate of the community.

Other awards were given on the night and special recognition was given to Madison Miller for being named Miss Ohio 2023.

Shryock's service

Shryock started out as a road deputy at the Coshocton County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Bill Hoop. He eventually became chief detective and captain. He was with the department 28 years. Shryock was named the outstanding police officer of the year by the Ohio Prosecutor's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio Attorney General's Office gave him a certificate for outstanding police work. He was part of a task force that identified and apprehended serial killer Thomas Dillon in 1992.

Hasseman read the words of former detective Jon Mosier: "There were lots of people involved in the case who never really thought we'd actually solve the case, but Dane had a theory and would not let it go. When Dane got an idea he would stick with it until he proved it right or wrong."

Shryock has been a county commissioner for 18 years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic opened up state and federal funding, the commissioners have been aggressive about going after money for long-needed projects. This includes the construction of a new Coshocton Justice Center and Coshocton County Emergency Medical Services station and a rural broadband project to give internet access to about 15,000 residents, among much more.

Hasseman read the words of fellow Commissioner Gary Fisher, "(Dane's) energy for Coshocton County is unmatched. Dane will wake up in the middle of the night thinking of a solution to a problem and he can't let it go. Often he'll call me at 6 a.m. because, by then, he knows I'll be up. He'll tell me about an idea he's been thinking about since 2:30 a.m. in the morning."

Shryock was humble in his acceptance and gave all the credit to all the Coshoctonians who had come before him and made the community what it is. He's just trying to continue their legacy.

"To be recognized in this group of esteemed people that were ahead of me, I didn't believe what I have accomplished even compares to what they have accomplished," Shryock said. "The older generation instilled a lot in me."

Shryock gave notice to his wife, Amy, and their children and grandchildren who were present.

"I think that's the largest accomplishment a father can have, is seeing his children and grandchildren become productive citizens in this community. That's probably my biggest accomplishment," Shryock said.

He also gave mention to those he worked with at the sheriff's office and his staff now at the commissioners' office. Shryock said everything is a team, it's not just one individual.

"I have nothing but admiration for how hard they work to try and make this community better. I think everyone in our office believes that's what we're trying to do," Shryock said.

Special recognition for Madison Miller

Madison Miller was named Miss Ohio in June, after being first runner-up the year before. She'll be competing for Miss America after the first of the year with date and location to be announced.

Chamber Director Amy Crown and Mayor Mark Mills praised Miller with Mills presenting her with a proclamation and key to the city. Miller was also recognized at the 2022 chamber dinner for her work with local veterans and accomplishments at that time.

Miller won Miss Ohio on her third try and Mills said that exemplifies the type of person she is, as many people would have given up after initially failing to claim the crown.

"That shows guts. That shows perseverance. That shows who, not only she is, but the community that raised her," Mills said. "She represents not only Coshocton, Ohio, but the attitude and the mind set. It's just so exciting to say Miss Ohio 2023 grew up right here."

Miller said bringing the Miss Ohio title to the community is a great honor. She admitted to not doing it all on her own and agreed with Mills' statements about Coshocton raising her and making her who she is.

"Every person in this room has allowed, not just me, but other amazing community leaders to discover who they are, to step into their own skin, to learn how to get up in front of a group of distinguished people and speak what's in their heart," Miller told the attendees. "I am the person who I am because of all of you. I'm going to Miss America because of all of you. We are taking Coshocton and going."

Other awards

● Small Business of the Year - Buckeye Fabric Finishing Company

● Volunteer of the Year - Maureen Karl, board president for the Hope Clinic.

● Young Leader of the Year - Rusty Dreher, chief of Coshocton Fire Department and Coshocton County Dog Warden.

● Employee of the Year - Melissa Saylor, a registered nurse for Genesis

● First Responder of the Year - Todd Shroyer and Terry Shroyer of Coshocton County Emergency Medical Services

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce names Dane Shryock Coshoctonian