Manhattan's Retired Police Chief Seeks Return To Role

MANHATTAN, IL — Just months after his retirement from the role, Manhattan's former police chief is ready for a comeback.

Mayor Mike Adrieansen announced Monday that he will suggest former Manhattan Chief Jeff Wold for appointment to the role at the village board's Sept. 19 meeting. Trustees will be 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."

A formal search to fill the role surfaced "some quality candidates," said Village Administrator Nick Palmer, but ultimately Wold seemed like the soundest choice.

"Jeff’s name will be put forth on the agenda on Sept. 19 and following his approval, he will be sworn back in and start on Sept. 20," said Palmer.