Lt. Todd Muilenberg is stepping up from second-in-command at Jaffrey’s police department to police chief, taking on the role as of this week.
Muilenberg has been with the department for two years, under the mentorship of Police Chief Bill Oswalt, who retired last week. Prior to Jaffrey, he was police chief in Rindge, but the majority of his background in policing was in the state of Arizona, where he worked for 24 years in the police force, rising to the rank of Lieutenant.
Muilenberg said one of his goals in moving to New Hampshire was to experience policing in a smaller community, one of the aspects he’s found enjoyable in his time here.
“It’s been great,” Muilenberg said. “You’re much more connected, much more involved, and can have a much more personal approach to law enforcement. You can get more personal and have a deeper interest in cases, with community policing, in our schools, the whole nine yards.”
And under Oswalt, who has spent his entire policing career in Jaffrey, Muilenberg said he got to see that approach exemplified.
“What I learned from Bill is to look at the job from a more thoughtful level. In a larger city, you have to make decisions much quicker. He had the ability to slow down, and make a thoughtful, good decision. He was a very thoughtful, sincere leader, and he helped me develop that in myself a little more.”
Town Manager Jon Frederick said Muilenberg was the natural choice to succeed Oswalt.
“It was the logical choice, and we’re proud to say he’s our new chief,” Frederick said. “He brings a wealth of experience and has given us great service and shown himself worthy to be the chief.”
Currently, the lieutenant position is planned to remain empty for a few months, while Muilenberg completes training for two new officers in the department, one of whom is currently attending the police academy, and the other who is certified but new to the department.
Muilenberg is married with three children, two of whom live with him in Jaffrey, and one of whom is married and living in California. When not on duty, he enjoys golfing and winter sports.
Muilenberg has officially been in the position of chief since Monday, but the Select Board plans to officially present him with his badge during a ceremony during its next scheduled meeting on Monday at the town offices.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.