BAY CITY — Daniel “Dan” Shook, who spent 10 years with the Bay City Police Department and eight years as an instructor at the Wharton County Junior College Police Academy, has been named the new chief of the Perry Village Police Department in Ohio.

Perry Village announced Shook’s appointment this month, highlighting his more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, fire service, emergency management, and emergency medical services.

During his time with the Bay City Police Department, Shook served as Fire Marshal, Police Sergeant/Detective, and Emergency Management Coordinator. His responsibilities included overseeing fire prevention, emergency management, code enforcement, fire investigations, and law enforcement operations. He also served as a SWAT team leader and medic, criminal investigator, and patrol supervisor.

Outside of his duties with the Bay City Police Department, Shook spent eight years teaching at the Wharton County Junior College Police Academy in Wharton, where he helped prepare future Texas peace officers for careers in law enforcement.

Before moving to Texas, Shook worked in several public safety roles in his home state of Ohio. His experience includes serving as a police officer with the Madison Village Police Department, Fire Marshal at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, and more than 20 years with the Fairport Harbor Fire Department, where he advanced to the rank of Fire Captain and Paramedic.

Shook holds a Master of Public Administration from Sam Houston State University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lake Erie College. He is also a Texas Master Peace Officer, certified law enforcement instructor, Texas Fire Marshal, licensed paramedic, and holds numerous certifications in fire service, emergency management, and public safety leadership.

Throughout his career, Shook has received several professional honors, including Officer of the Year, Employee of the Year, multiple Life Saving Awards, and the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.

As police chief, Shook said he is committed to building strong relationships with the community, supporting officer development, and maintaining high standards of professionalism, accountability, and service.

His appointment marks the next step in a public safety career that included years of service in Bay City and helping train future law enforcement officers in Wharton County through the WCJC Police Academy.