Police Chief Sworn In As Washington Twp. Top Cop

He’s already been the acting police chief for more than a month, but now the badge is official.

Chief Jeffrey Almer was sworn in to his position at the Washington Township Committee meeting this week, filling the position left vacant by the recently retired former chief Michael Bailey.

Almer becomes just the fifth chief to occupy the position in the department’s 51 year history.

Almer was recently promoted to lieutenant earlier this year. After Bailey’s departure, the department’s three lieutenants were interviewed by Mayor Bill Roehrich, Deputy Mayor Ken Short, and former chief George Kluetz.

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

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.