Shelby Police Department holds ceremony to welcome new officers, promote others
SHELBY — Police Chief Lance Combs got around to some unfinished business Friday afternoon.
The chief likes to recognize new officers and those receiving promotions with ceremonies. COVID-19 had other ideas.
Combs noted the pandemic has been "tough on everybody," but Friday was a day to recognize a number of department members.
About 40 people filled city council chambers for the ceremony, which included two cakes.
Derek Rose and Dustin Howard were sworn in as new officers. They will start attending the police academy at North Central State College on Monday, with the city paying for the training.
Two of Shelby's new officers served in the Army
Combs noted that both Rose and Howard served in the military.
"These two are going to develop a bond," the chief said. "If we can keep them here five years, I think they'll be here for 25."
Howard wanted to thank everyone who has helped him get to this point, including wife Gilberta "for watching two very bad kids." The young ones sampled the cake after the ceremony.
Howard spent six years in the Ohio National Guard.
"I've always wanted to be a cop," he said. "I love being there for people and helping children who are not in the best situation. I want to be their go-to guy."
Rose thanked his grandparents for attending and noted his parents couldn't be there because they are on a cruise. He is a 2017 Shelby graduate and played football and basketball.
Rose spent three years in the Army as an infantryman.
"It (being in law enforcement) falls in line with the sense of purpose I had being in the military," he said. "I want to give back to an amazing community that gave me so much."
Combs credited Councilman Garland Gates for his role in getting the new recruits enrolled at North Central State at the "11th hour." Gates recently announced he will not seek another term after 24 years on council.
"He's never talked down to me," Combs said. "He can navigate the bureaucracy and get things done."
Ethan Yates is another new officer, though he has completed his time at the academy. He will finish field training on June 16, which he noted is the day after his birthday.
"I hope you make it," Combs joked.
New officer influenced by older brother
Yates had his older brother Zach pin on his badge. Zach is a police officer in Pittsburgh.
"He's been the main influence on me," Yates said of Zach, who is eight years older.
Yates graduated from Shelby in 2019. He participated in football and track.
"I've lived in Shelby my whole life," Yates said.
Combs also recognized Officers Justin Hoffman and Hannah Hall, who were hired since the last ceremony.
Hall is the fourth female officer in department history. She spent four years with the Ohio Highway Patrol.
"She's a police officer that happens to be a female," Combs said. "She is all business, all the time."
Hoffman recently completed field training after being hired in November. He comes to Shelby from the Plymouth Police Department.
Also earning recognition Friday were Joe Artrip for his promotion to sergeant and Adam Turner for being assigned as a detective.
Artrip was hired in October 2020 and made sergeant in about two years.
"It's unusual for someone to be promoted with less than five years of service," Combs noted.
Artrip leads recruiting efforts for the department.
Turner assigned as detective
Turner could not attend Friday because he is dealing with COVID, Combs said.
"We've tried his (ceremony) three times, so we're just going to go ahead and have this," Combs said.
Turner served as a Shelby police officer from 2008-2012, left and came back in 2016.
When Combs joined the department in 1992, he said there was no detective bureau because of budget cutbacks.
"We tried to find a way to bring it back," the chief said.
Turner assumed those duties during a missing persons case in the spring of 2021. He is handling background checks and long-term investigations.
After the ceremony, Combs said the department is down two officers and one dispatcher. He hopes to be at full strength by year's end.
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
Twitter: @MNJCaudill
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Shelby Police Department holds ceremony for new and promoted officers
