A big step up for new police chief in Batavia
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"My philosophy in life, and in my career, is ‘firm, fair and consistent,’" said Shawn Heubusch.
New Batavia Police Chief, Shawn Heubusch.
"I treat everyone that way, whether you're the victim of a crime; you're the suspect in a crime; you're an officer; or you're my own family."
Fifteen years in law enforcement have taught him these principles.
"That's how I treat people, that's how I think people should be treated."
Heubusch is just two weeks into his new job as the City of Batavia Police Chief.
"There's more activity here.”
Quite a departure from his old job, as Assistant Police Chief in Wyoming County's Village of Warsaw.
"But it's the same activity that takes place in Warsaw. Just more of it."
About four times more, if you go by population. Warsaw is home to about 3,800 residents, while Batavia more than 15,000.
"Bigger police force. I came from a six-man department, we had part-time officers working there as well,” Heubusch said.”There's a detective bureau here; in Warsaw we handled all of our own cases."
Those elements of the job are new to Heubusch; one of Batavia's youngest chiefs in recent memory at just 38-years-old. His age and inexperience in a city department have already brought some criticism. Two city council members questioned Heubusch's qualifications in an article in the Batavia Daily News.
"I understand people have their opinions,” Heubusch said. “As I've said before: if I didn't think I was qualified for the job, I certainly would not have applied."
Heubusch draws strong praise from his former co-workers in Warsaw. Many in the village are sad to see him go.
But Heubusch says his plans don't include changing departments, ever again.
"I saw myself reaching this type of a goal, and I think this is as far as I need to go,” said Heubusch. “You know, I just want them to give me a chance. I think everyone's willing to do that. I'm a very firm, fair and consistent person. And I think once everybody gets to know me, and sees my work, they'll understand that that's the way I am."