West Chester Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association | West Chester Township Police Dept.

West Chester Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association1 month ago

West Chester Police Chief Joel Herzog announced his plans to retire after 33 years of service.

“The honor of serving as Chief of Police the last nine years for such a wonderful community is humbling,” Chief Herzog shares. “I write to formally announce my plans for retirement in the coming months. I depart knowing the officers of the West Chester Police Department are strong in their professionalism, integrity, courage, and commitment.”

Chief Herzog was hired as an officer with the West Chester Police Department in 1991, was promoted to captain in 2001 and appointed Chief of Police in 2014. In 2016 he entered into a retire/rehire agreement with the Board of Trustees and continued in his position as Chief.

“Joel is an exceptional law enforcement professional and through his leadership has created a law enforcement model built on police working side-by-side with residents and stakeholders to make our community safer,” said West Chester Township Administrator Larry D. Burks.

In addition to these achievements, Chief Herzog was pivotal in introducing technology to advance crime investigations and worked collectively to advance a robust employee wellness program aimed at destigmatizing mental health treatment.

Chief Herzog anticipates his retirement effective no later than June 29, 2024 providing opportunity to facilitate a smooth transition. He will continue to serve as Chief of Police until his departure and will take this time to support the transition for his department and the larger Township organization.

Administrator Burks will appoint Lt. Col. Brian Rebholz to step into the Chief’s role as interim to fill the gap until a permanent Chief is appointed. Lt. Col. Rebholz first came to work as a West Chester Police Officer in 1992 and was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2016.