Politics & Government

New Chief Appointed At Mercer County Sheriff’s Office

Jim Udijohn will succeed Christopher Kenyon, who retired last month after more than two decades of service.

Jim Udijohn with Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler
Jim Udijohn with Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler (Mercer County Sheriff's Office)

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler appointed Jim Udijohn as the new Chief Sheriff’s Officer on Tuesday.

Udijohn will succeed Christopher Kenyon, who retired last month after more than two decades of distinguished service with the Sheriff's Office.

Udijohn's career in law enforcement spans 22 years. He is a 2001 graduate of the Camden County Police Academy. He served with the Cherry Hill and Hamilton Township Police Departments before joining the Mercer County Sheriff's Office in 2007.

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"Jim Udijohn is one of the Sheriff's Office's most respected, decorated, and highly trained law enforcement officers," Kemler said in a statement. "He is a model officer with an exemplary record of public service leadership."

Udijohn's swearing-in took place Tuesday before family, friends, and colleagues at the Mercer County Civil Courthouse.

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During the ceremony, Kemler acknowledged the distinguished service of retired Chief Kenyon, his vast leadership skills, outstanding character, and his community reputation.

“We are deeply indebted to Chris’ vision at the Sheriff’s Office and his commitment to the people of Mercer County,” Kemler said.

As a Detective, Udijohn received numerous awards and letters of commendation throughout his career. The NJ State PBA honored him for valor in 2015, and he was named Task Force Officer of the Year by NY/NJ United States Marshal's Regional Fugitive Task Force in the same year.

In 2016 he was selected Mercer County Sheriff's Officer of the Year. Udijohn’s leadership experience spans four years as a Team Leader on the Sheriff’s Tactical Response Team and four years as a Team Leader on the U. S. Marshal's Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force.

As a Sergeant, Udijohn has supervised the Fugitive Unit, Warrant Unit, Evidence Unit, and Communications Center.

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