Marion’s 14th Police Chief Sworn into Office

Bill Collins is sworn in by Mayor Scott Schertzer has the new Chief of the Marion Police Department. Interim Chief Randy Caryer watches on.

Mayor Scott Schertzer swore in the 14th Chief of Police for the Marion Police Department Monday morning in a packed courtroom in City Hall. Bill Collins takes over for retired Chief Tom Bell and has said that becoming chief has been a long time goal.

In remarks after being sworn in, Collins said he was thankful to former Marion County Sheriff John Butterworth for giving him his first job in law enforcement. He said he was sad that Butterworth, who passed away last Thursday, was unable to share in the day. Collins also thanked former chief Tom Bell for being a mentor over the past 14 years.

Collins pointed to the support and sacrifices of his family. He mentioned that his mother may think that the position of chief may keep him from going out on the street, but said, “I got bad news for her. It probably won’t.” His mother spoke up saying that she “knows better.”

Bill Collins’ wife pins on his new badge as he takes over as Chief of Police.

“I’m looking forward to taking over,” stated Collins. “There’s a lot of stuff that we got to get done, even starting today.”

Collins attended The Ohio State University from 1983-1985 and also served as a member of the US Army Reserves where he served through 1989. He began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in 1985. Collins was then promoted to Jailer before being named a Road Deputy on his 21st birthday.

In May 1989, Collins joined the Marion Police Department as a Patrolman. He was promoted to the position of Sergeant, which was transitioned into the current title of Lieutenant, in October 1995. In March 2000, Collins was promoted to Police Major.

With his promotion to Chief of Police, Collins has held supervisory positions within every facet of the Marion Police Department.

In addition to Collins, Mayor Schertzer also swore in  Jeff Clewell and Jon Shaffer as the police department’s new majors.

Jon Shaffer is sworn in by Mayor Scott Schertzer has a major with the Marion Police Department.

Shaffer is a 1996 graduate of Marion Harding High School where he played football and wrestled for the Presidents. Following high school, Jon attended The Ohio State University at Marion and then transferred to Mount Vernon Nazarene College (now known as Mt. Vernon Nazarene University) and graduated in May 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology (Criminal Justice) and a Minor in Spanish.

In August 2000, Shaffer was hired as a Police Officer for the Marion Police Department and after attending the Ohio Highway Patrol Academy he joined the Operations function at the police department. Shaffer was promoted in June 2007 to the rank of Lieutenant, serving mostly on second shift, with brief stops on first shift and third shift along the way.

In his position as Major, Shaffer will be assigned to the Administrative Division.

Jeff Clewell is sworn in by Mayor Scott Schertzer has a major with the Marion Police Department.

Clewell is a graduate of Marion Harding High School. After graduation, he enlisted with the U.S. Army as an Infantryman, receiving multiple military awards during his service. After leaving active duty, Jeff joined the Army Reserves and is currently a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Clewell joined the Marion Police Department as a Patrolman in October 1995 and graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in April 1996. While serving as a patrolman, Jeff served in the patrol division, as well as the Community Policing Unit. Clewell co-developed the 1st Citizens Police Academy in 2001. Jeff was promoted to Lieutenant in November 2003.

In his position as Major, Clewell will be assigned to the Operations Division.