PERRYSBURG — Perrysburg has sworn in a new police chief from within its own ranks.
“I’m delighted to be able to have recommended Patrick Jones as the new chief. We made sure it was a
thorough and complete process. He rose to the top in every category,” said Mayor Tom Mackin at Tuesday’s
council meeting. “We wanted to make sure, given the controversy that started out, that the process was
complete, thorough and as objective as possible.”
The position had been empty since former police chief Daniel Paez gave notice of his retirement on Dec.
5, effective Jan. 8. He resigned after an investigation into his actions this summer during a Perrysburg
Township shooting.
“The first thing I want to do is get our command structure back in place. We have two lieutenant spots
that are vacant, ” Jones said. “We get the leadership team back in place so we can move forward. We’ve
been without a chief and lieutenants for a while now so we’re all ready to look to the future. It’s a
new era, so I want to make sure I empower the employees here to be the best that they can and be the
future leaders of the department.”
Many well-wishers attended the swearing-in ceremony. The council chambers were filled with more than 70,
making it standing room only.
Several family members, including his wife, daughters, father and in-laws were there, as well as many
friends and co-workers.
“It’s very humbling to see the number of people who turned out here tonight,” Jones said.
Mackin recommended Jones as the next police chief on Friday. A committee of the whole met prior to the
regular city council meeting on Tuesday in order for council members who were not involved in the
interview process to ask additional questions of Jones before voting.
Councilwoman Deborah Born asked what he planned on doing for new police radios.
Jones replied that he was not involved in the initial process.
“I want to do what is best, not just cost-wise, but safety-wise,” he said.
Jones said his first priority would be the installation of lieutenants and then the new radio system.
The vote to install Jones as chief was 5-0. Councilman Tim McCarthy was absent.
Jones has been a detective and digital forensic examiner for Perrysburg since 2004. Prior to that he
worked for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Hancock County Common Pleas Court.
David Tulles III, chief for Maumee Police Division, was involved in the search process.
“What was very impressive about Pat was his leadership skills and his ability to communicate how he was
going to move the department forward,” Tulles said. “He’s very well rounded. Very well respected as a
detective in this area, and as an investigator. He’s prepared himself for this position. The people of
Perrysburg are going to be very satisfied with this chief. I’m sure officers in this department are
going to be very excited.”
Part of the preparation Tulles referred to was Jones’ additional education and work experience as an
adjunct instructor at Bowling Green State University. In addition to his many specialized training
certifications he has a master’s of criminal justice degree from Tiffin University and teaches graduate
and undergraduate courses in criminal justice at Bowling Green State University.
“It’s nice to see they’ve sworn in a Perrysburg officer. I think he knows the town better than other ones
would,” said Mark Echard, Perrysburg resident.
Paez’s retirement followed the release of an investigation by the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office. It was
called for after a Perrysburg Township officer-involved shooting that killed an armed suspect on Aug.
27. Paez had been criticized for calling his officers off the scene.
The aftermath raised issues regarding the city’s communication and crisis management skills with nearby
municipalities.