WPD Chief Tim Hunker

Chief Tim Hunker is originally from the City of Huron. He graduated from Huron High School in 1986. Then just after high school he started a management career in retail that lasted over 12 years. He then attended the Cleveland Heights Police Academy in 1997 and was hired on as a seasonal officer with the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office. Also in 1997 he was hired on with the Wakeman Police Department under the supervision of Chief Bill Sauers. Chief Hunker started like every other Wakeman Officer in the Reserve Program. In December of 1997 he was promoted to a part-time paid position on the midnight shift. Then in June of 1998 he was promoted to a full-time Sergeant on a swing shift. It wasn’t long after that Chief Hunker was moved to day shift to assist Chief Don Newbill with administration. In May of 2003 he was promoted to his current Chief position and has been there ever since. Chief Hunker also worked part-time at the Milan Police Department and at Community Health Partners in Lorain as a police officer.

Chief Hunker has achieved many commendations while here in Wakeman including a Certificate of Achievement Award for his service during Chief Newbill’s absence in 2001. The Wakeman Police Department has also awarded Chief Hunker with a “drug buster” award, safe driving, volunteer service, and a meritorious award for his dedicated service over the years.

Chief Hunker has been involved in starting many of the community programs that are here in Wakeman. Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 program, Project Childsafe, A Child Is Missing, and the Wakeman Neighborhood Watch which are still in effect today.

During his career with Wakeman he has been instrumental in implementing many of the departmental advances such as new computers in the cruisers and station, a bike patrol unit, the bulletproof vest reimbursement program, certification of field training officers, and a security system for the department that was funded through grant monies.

“I want to personally thank the Community of Wakeman for giving us the opportunity to grow and become what we have today. We have crossed over many hurdles with a few still to go. I believe with this on going support we can keep Wakeman a SAFE Community.”

Sincerely,

Chief Tim Hunker