Chester has a new police chief - Sergeant Dan Doellinger steps up to top job

Chester - Chester reached into its own ranks for a new police chief: 1st Sergeant Daniel Doellinger. Although the town board held a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday night, the appointment will not become official until the present chief, Brian Jarvis, leaves on Sept. 15. Doellinger has been on the town force for over ten years. He also serves in the all-volunteer Chester Fire Department as deputy fire chief. The town board picked Doellinger based on the advantages of using someone in-house: he already has experience with other members of the force, and with local laws and issues. “I am honored by the appointment from the town board and excited to begin working with the board, the officers, and the public in my new position,” Doellinger told The Chronicle. Jarvis is retiring and plans eventually to move to the state of Florida. Each board member paid tribute to him, saying that his extensive computer knowledge “brought Chester into the modern age.” A retirement dinner will be held next month. Both the exiting Jarvis and incoming Doellinger will have their hands full during the changeover because the police station is flooded. Town Supervisor Steve Neuhaus said the town is finally tackling this chronic problem, with new roofs and drainage to be included in next year’s building budget. The town hall needed a lot of repairs this year and, because of financial concerns, the town has made many repairs “in house,” with town employees. Next on the list is getting bids for a new well, Neuhaus said. The old well is under the middle of the parking lot. “This is why we can’t drink the water,” he said.