WATSONVILLE – A San Jose police veteran is leaving the South Bay to take the reins as Watsonville’s subsequent high cop.
Brian Shab is anticipated to step into the function early subsequent 12 months, the town of Watsonville introduced Tuesday.
“Chief Shab brings intensive expertise in regulation enforcement and is a confirmed chief who has devoted his profession to public service,” Metropolis Supervisor Tamara Vides mentioned in a press release.
Shab, a local of East San Jose, served eight years within the army and joined the San Jose Police Division in 1998. Over time, he “has managed groups, led main divisions and earned quite a few commendations,” together with the Medal of Valor, Hazardous Obligation Award and Excellent Police Obligation Award, in response to the town.
Shab holds a bachelor’s diploma in prison justice administration from Union College and a Grasp of Science in regulation enforcement and public security management from the College of San Diego.
In a press release, Shab mentioned he was “honored, humbled and excited” to be chosen as Watsonville’s subsequent chief of police.
“As a Santa Cruz County resident, Watsonville holds a particular place in my coronary heart,” he mentioned. “It’s a fantastically numerous, hard-working and family-oriented neighborhood. I’ll lead with accountability, compassion and respect, and proceed strengthening the neighborhood belief and relationships which might be already an indicator of the Watsonville police.”
San Jose police Chief Paul Joseph instructed this information group Shab will “positively be missed.”
“However we’re excited for him and for the (Watsonville) division gaining such a powerful chief,” Joseph mentioned. “His management made us higher, and I do know he’ll do the identical there.”

