“Chief Shab brings extensive law enforcement experience and is a proven leader who has dedicated his career to public service,” City Manager Tamara Vides said in a statement.
A native of East San Jose, Shab served eight years in the Army and joined the San Jose Police Department in 1998. Over the years, he has “led teams, led major divisions and earned numerous awards,” including the Medal of Valor, Hazardous Duty Award and Outstanding Police Duty Award, the city said.
Shab holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Union University and a Master of Science in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego.
In a statement, Shab said he was “honored, humbled and excited” to be chosen as Watsonville’s next police chief.
“As a resident of Santa Cruz County, Watsonville holds a special place in my heart,” he said. “It is a wonderfully diverse, hardworking and family-oriented community. I will lead with responsibility, compassion and respect, and continue to strengthen the community trust and relationships that are already a hallmark of the Watsonville Police Department.”
San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph told this news organization that Shab “will certainly be missed.”
“But we’re happy for him and for the (Watsonville) department to have such a strong chief,” Joseph said. “His leadership has made us better, and I know he will do the same there.”
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