New Washington Twp. Police Chief Named

In little more than 50 years, the Washington Township Police Department has only had four chiefs. So when the most recent chief Michael Bailey announced his retirement, filling his shoes would of course be a tough task.

The Washington Township Committee, acting swiftly after Bailey’s July 31 departure, announced the fifth chief of police would be Jeff Almer, one of three lieutenants who interviewed for the position.

Almer was recently promoted to lieutenant earlier this year. He’ll serve as the Officer in Charge until he is sworn into office Sept. 21.

Interviews were conducted by Mayor Bill Roehrich, Deputy Mayor and Police Commissioner Ken Short, and former chief George Kluetz.

“It’s really one of the hardest decisions you can make,” Roehrich said during the committee’s regular meeting Monday night, when the decision was announced. “Really, it was a matter of hairs that split the decision.”

“We want to have a friendlier township, a bigger presence in schools,” said Short. “We need to worry less about tickets and more about stopping drug use in our town.”

Roehrich said the three interviewers graded Almer and lieutenants Doug Compton and Mark Niemynski on a point system during their interviews. When comparing and adding scores, Almer came out ahead, Roehrich said.

Pictured: Jeff Almer taking the oath of office for lieutenant in June 2015.