A local city has tapped an out-of-state law enforcement officer to become its new chief of police.
Doug Shoemaker, currently the Grand Junction Police Department chief in Colorado, will take over the Denton Police Department later this year.
Shoemaker is a 30-year law enforcement veteran, having served 26 years in Missouri’s Jefferson City Police Department before becoming police chief of Grand Junction in 2018.
Shoemaker commented on his hiring, stating, “I am very honored to have been chosen to lead the Denton, Texas Police Department, a very well-respected and forward-thinking agency, and I’m grateful to have had the privilege of leading the Grand Junction Police Department for over 4 years now.”
Grand Junction City Manager Greg Caton thanked Shoemaker for his service in Colorado.
“Chief Shoemaker is one of the top law enforcement professionals in the country,” Caton claimed.
He continued, “It was a pleasure working with Chief and we wish him all the best in his new position. Chief served this community extremely well over the last four years and has set the foundation for future success.”
Denton City Manager Sara Hensley selected Shoemaker from several dozen candidates.
Hensley began her work in local government in Austin in the late 1980s before holding city government positions in California, Virginia, and Arizona. She later returned to Texas, working in Austin again before taking a leadership post in Denton.
Hensley told the Denton community, “We were impressed with Chief Shoemaker’s demonstrated leadership and his ability to connect with the community … He has extensive experience in a variety of roles … as well as a history of personally contributing to the communities that he serves.”
Frank Dixon, the previous Denton police chief, will become the assistant city manager. When he began transitioning into that role, Dixon explained, “I definitely want to make sure they hire someone that shares the same vision that I have, that shares the same passion to serve the community.”
Shoemaker will take office on October 3 after being confirmed by the Denton City Council.