PERRYSBURG (WTOL) - Perrysburg Mayor Tom Mackin announced he’s received and accepted a resignation notice from Perrysburg Police Chief Dan Paez.
Paez' conduct during a Perrysburg Township officer-involved shooting on Aug. 27 was the recent focus of an investigation prepared by the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office.
In Paez' letter, dated Monday, he speaks of his “intent to resign from my position as Chief of Police for the City of Perrysburg and transition into retirement. With your acceptance of my resignation, my intent for my final day of employment with the City to be January 8, 2019.”
“It has been an honor to serve the City of Perrysburg as a police officer in a variety of assignments for the past 23 1/2 years and especially that last 9 1/2 years as the Chief of Police,” Paez wrote.
The report released last month found that errors in judgment were made by the chief, who did not render mutual aid to Perrysburg Township officers.
Mackin sought a review by the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office into the events of Aug. 27, for which cPaez drew criticism for potentially violating a mutual aid policy and not providing assistance to Perrysburg Township officers during the situation.
On that day, an armed man led police on a high-speed chase and also took a hostage on Neiderhouse Road near State Rt. 199. Perrysburg Township police shot and killed him.
Paez pulled four city officers from the scene of the shooting, later stating he ordered them to leave because he didn’t think they were experienced enough.
The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office investigation into whether Paez made appropriate decisions and orders involved reviewing dash cam videos, dispatcher logs, the established mutual aid agreements and policies.
“The report clearly identifies areas where we fell short on August 27th. We can, and must, do better. That is why I will use this opportunity to review our longstanding policies, procedures, and protocols,” Mackin said. “Where appropriate they will be revised, updated, and improved so that the very high standards of the Perrysburg Police Division are maintained and enhanced.”
The sheriff’s office report outlines three key concerns from the day: the police pursuits of the vehicle, an order from the officer in charge telling Perrysburg officers to stay in city limits unless mutual aid was requested, and Paez’ actions.
In his letter dated Tuesday, Mackin said he will not be taking any further formal action regarding Paez' conduct at this time.
“Although the report prepared by the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office identified areas of concern regarding the Chief’s performance on August 27th, I will not be taking any further formal action regarding that conduct at this time. ...”
“I consider issues related to the Chief’s performance closed. I will, however, continue to move forward with reforms to improve the police division’s overall communication and performance.”
The mayor reiterated that his administration will have a recommendation to council by the end of January regarding communications issues that were raised during the Aug. 27 incident.
He also said a plan is being developed to hire Perrysburg’s next police chief.
“In conclusion, I invite everyone to join me now in looking forward to the next era of leadership in our police division as we work together to continue to make our city the best and safest community possible,” Mackin said
