SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — The City of Shaker Heights has a new Chief of Police, with Mayor David Weiss announcing the hiring of Wayne D. Hudson.
Hudson most recently served as the Chief Deputy Sheriff in Douglas County, Nebraska. He will assume his new role on January 9, 2023.
“I am very pleased to announce Wayne Hudson’s appointment as police chief," Mayor Weiss said in a statement. "He comes to Shaker Heights with a broad and impressive background in law enforcement, demonstrated commitment to community and inclusion, and strong interpersonal communication skills, all of which I view as critical for our next police chief. He will be leading a department of skilled and dedicated professionals with a solid leadership team in place.”
Hudson's career in law enforcement began in 1986, as he served as a security police specialist in the United States Air Force until 1992. In 1994, he began his career in civilian law enforcement as a reserve deputy sheriff with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office before being hired into a full-time position with the agency in 1995.
Hudson eventually rose through the ranks to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and in 2013, Captain. He was appointed Chief Deputy in 2021.
Hudson will be replacing Police Chief Jeffrey DeMuth, who is retiring following a 33-year career in the Shaker Heights Police Department, the last six years of which he spent as chief.
“Chief DeMuth has served the residents of Shaker Heights with distinction and true commitment for more than three decades,” Weiss said. “He played a critical role in the creation of the joint dispatch center with four other communities as well as our bike patrol. The chief also was a 10-year member of SWAT, 2011 Rotary Police Officer of The Year, a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and the 226th Session of the FBI National Academy, and a member and leader of the Cuyahoga County Police Chief’s Association, just to name a few of his many achievements and recognitions. On his well-deserved retirement, we extend our appreciation for his progressive and forward-thinking approach to keeping our community safe. We wish him the best.”