Sgt. Shawn Bates Ready For New Role in Protecting North Canton

It’s not difficult for Sgt. Shawn C. Bates to describe what’s kept him patrolling North Canton for 17 years.

He said he’s seen officers elsewhere become overwhelmed by the volume of negative calls they take. But in North Canton, he sees a mix of calls, ranging from the good, the bad and everything in between.

“There’s enough action,” Bates said. “It’s enough to keep your interest but not enough for you to feel beaten down.”

Bates recently was promoted from patrolman to sergeant, under the direction of . He took his oath before last week and was introduced as a sergeant at .

Bates said he looks forward to the responsibility that comes with being a sergeant.

“It feels good to have a new challenge, to make an impact on something new,” he said.

Bates, a 1989 graduate of Jackson High School, started at the in 1994 as an unpaid auxiliary officer and became a full-time officer in 1995. He’s played a major role in the department as he’s trained others (including officers from other departments) in firearms, self-defense and special response team coordination. He earned his associate degree in applied sciences in 1993 from the University of Akron.

Wilder said Bates always took on assignments without debate and has shown a strong interest in training opportunities. He said he chose Bates for the promotion because of his past performance as an officer, but also because of what he can add to the department in the future.

“He’s got good communication skills. He thinks things through, and he’s not afraid to make a decision,” Wilder said.

Bates’ promotion to sergeant falls in line with restructuring that, through retirements and promotions, would .

Bates already has jumped into the role of sergeant, having his first shift this past Tuesday.

“I’m very appreciative of the faith the chief has in me, and I appreciate him picking me for this appointment. I look forward to doing this job — and doing it very well.”

Other department moves this year include:

• retirement
•  retirement
•  retirement
•  retirement
•  retirement
• promotion
• promotion
• appointment