Manhattan's Retired Police Chief Back On The Job

MANHATTAN, IL — Retirement apparently didn't suit Jeff Wold.

Manhattan's former police chief has returned to the gig, sworn back in at the Sept. 19 Village Board meeting.

Mayor Mike Adrieansen announced Monday that he would suggest former Manhattan Chief Jeff Wold for appointment to the role at the meeting. Trustees were then asked to approve Wold for the role.

"We were in the process of interviewing final applicants, and I received a call from Jeff asking if he could reapply for his job," Adrieansen said in a release. "I told him if he wanted to come back then yes, apply."

Wold announced his retirement in early June and left the department on June 30, 2023.

"I was sorry to see Jeff leave because I enjoyed working with him and I felt he was helping to modernize and strengthen the department," said Adrieansen.

Wold was first appointed to the role in September 2021 following a lengthy career in the Village of Channahon. He was instrumental in increasing staffing in the department and bringing in top-notch officers while providing leadership to better serve the community, the Village said in a release.

"I enjoyed the past few months off and spending time with my family, but I feel I still have unfinished business I want to complete," Wold said. "I miss working with the officers and staff and I guess I’m just not ready to retire. I assured the mayor and council that if I were approved to return, I would commit to a few years and mentor the senior staff for a smooth transition."

Wold is back in the role as of Sept. 20.