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Salem swears in new full-time police officer

By Morgan Ahart 1 min read
Chip Hank, left, was sworn-in as a full-time police officer Monday by City Council President Sara Baronzzi, right, in city council chambers. Hank has served as the city’s Planning and Zoning Officer since 2016 and is expected to continue assisting with the position part time until his successor can be hired and trained. (Submitted photo courtesy J.T. Panezott)

SALEM -- The police department's newest full-time officer was sworn in Monday.

Chip Hank was sworn in as a full-time officer Monday by City Council President Sara Baronzzi. Hank will be leaving the city's Planning and Zoning Officer position vacant --he served since 2016 vacant,

But Police Chief J.T. Panezott and Housing Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant Yenere Martig said that Hank will continue assisting with the position part-time while the city finds his successor. Martig said that the city was currently interviewing a candidate for the position.

A 2008 Salem High School alum, Hank earned his Ohio Police Officers Training Academy certificate in 2012 from the Youngstown State University Police Academy and has been serving as a part-time officer for the department since 2024. Hank previously served as a part-time officer for the department from March 2014 through May 2016, and as a full-time officer for the Perry Township Police Department before taking the Planning and Zoning Officer position.

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