As we begin a new year, I want to reflect on the direction of public safety in Watsonville and the leadership helping guide that work forward.
Our Police and Fire Departments are entering this next chapter with experienced leaders who bring strong values, proven track records, and a deep commitment to serving our community.
That leadership includes the recent appointment of Brian Shab as Watsonville’s next Chief of Police. Chief Shab brings more than 27 years of law enforcement experience and a leadership style rooted in integrity, transparency, fairness, and community trust.
He has served at every level of a large, diverse police department and has spent his career emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and a people-first approach to public
safety.
As a Santa Cruz County resident, he also brings a personal connection to Watsonville and a deep appreciation for the city’s diversity and strong sense of community.
At the same time, continuity and experience remain strong within our Fire Department under the leadership of Fire Chief Corey Schaefer. A 27-year veteran of the Watsonville Fire Department, Chief Schaefer’s career reflects deep institutional knowledge and long-standing service to this community. Since joining the department in 1998, he has served in nearly every operational and leadership role. His experience includes expanding emergency medical services, leading large-scale emergency responses, and prioritizing firefighter training, wellness, and peer support. This combination of continuity
and forward-looking leadership positions the department well as it prepares to meet evolving challenges.
Together, Chief Shab and Chief Schaefer share a clear and important priority: recruitment. Attracting and retaining strong candidates for police officer and firefighter roles is essential to maintaining the level of service our community expects and
deserves.
This focus is especially critical as communities across California continue to face challenges in recruiting first responders, and Watsonville is no exception. A competitive job market, rising training costs, and increasing demands on police officers and firefighters require a thoughtful, proactive approach to hiring.
Our leadership is committed to identifying strategies that expand applicant pools, support career development, and create pathways for individuals, particularly those with ties to our community, to pursue careers in public safety.
Ultimately, recruitment is about more than filling positions. It is about building teams that reflect our city’s values and diversity, and ensuring that those who serve are well- trained, supported, and prepared for the complex work they do every day. This includes continued investment in mentorship, leadership development, and wellness, so that our firefighters and police officers can thrive both on and off the job.
I am encouraged by the leadership guiding our Police and Fire Departments and grateful for the men and women who serve Watsonville every day.
As Mayor, I remain committed to supporting our public safety teams and working collaboratively to ensure Watsonville remains a safe, resilient, and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.
