Sidney Interim Police Chief Shoemaker to retire, leave office in February

SIDNEY — Sidney Police Capt. William Shoemaker, interim chief since 2022, will end his 26-year public service career Feb. 1, City Manager Andrew Bowsher said Thursday.

Capt. Shoemaker’s retirement will be effective Aug. 2.

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A member of the police department since he joined as a patrol officer July 28, 1997, Shoemaker has also been a sergeant (2009) and a patrol captain (2013) before being named interim chief. He replaced Chief William Balling.

Shoemaker’s career was not without challenges as he and Balling were exonerated in 2020 on 15 allegations against the police department and Balling. Shoemaker and Balling were accused of failing to ensure relevant witnesses were interviewed in a less-lethal ordnance incident in May 2017. Shoemaker also was accused of inaction involving the shredding of counterfeit currency.

Shoemaker also served in various special capacities during his tenure, including with the Tactical Response Team, bike patrol, honor guard, evidence tech, training officer and detective bureau.

Shoemaker also is a 2015 graduate of the FBI National Academy.

The Darke County native and graduate of Bluffton University (B.A. in Criminal Justice) lives in Anna with his wife, Sherry. They have two adult children, Rachel and Hannah.

“It has been an honor to serve the City of Sidney for 26 years, including what will be nearly ten

years as Captain,” Shoemaker said in a prepared statement. " Sidney has been our home for nearly four decades. I wish nothing but the best for the city in the future.”

Bowsher said Shoemaker’s commitment to law enforcement has shown that he serves community first and had dedicated himself to making the city safer.

“A dream doesn’t become a reality from magic or a swish of a wand; it takes hard work, dedication, determination, and grit. It’s clear that Bill has lived this sentiment to its fullest, and we wish him well in what lies beyond his service,” Bowsher said.

Shoemaker’s other career highlights include:

* Leading the creation of a department fit-for-duty test

* He was named Officer of the Year in 2010.

Shoemaker’s departure from office in February will give him ample time to transition into the next phase of his life, Bowsher said.

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