Jebb will retire on March 26, city to start search

CHICOPEE – The city of Chicopee will now launch a search for a new police chief.

On Feb. 19, Police Chief William Jebb announced that he will be stepping down from his position to spend time with family and focus on his health. On March 26, Jebb will formally go on medical leave, pending the approval of his retirement from the state. This will be the end of Jebb’s 34-year career with the Chicopee Police Department. Deputy Chief Lonny Dakin will assume command as police chief of the department.

Mayor John Vieau put out a statement thanking Jebb for his years of service and wishing him well.

“While I understand the chief’s reasons, I accept his decision with a heavy heart. I have had the privilege to be with the chief in so many situations: at roll calls, in City Council meetings, and meetings addressing public safety in the city of Chicopee. His strength and integrity have inspired me and made our city a better place,” said Vieau. “Chief Jebb has had a brilliant career and I credit his leadership for getting us through the difficult loss of community members and colleagues like Officer Angela Santiago, emergencies, investigations, and tragedies impacting our community. His effective leadership has led to the hiring of new officers and much-deserved promotions to continually build a professional police force equipped with the tools to make them safe and to continue the downward trend in crime in recent years and kept us from seeing the violence that many other cities have experienced throughout the pandemic.”

Vieau said that Dakin will assume the position of acting chief and the city will then begin a search process.

“We will select an assessment process, ask for a Civil Service test to be conducted and continue with interviews and an appointment,” he said.

“I’m grateful for Chief Jebb’s leadership and his many years of service to our community. The City of Chicopee wishes Chief William Jebb all the best in his medical leave and retirement,” said Vieau.

Jebb began his career with the Chicopee Police Department in 1987. In 1991, he took military leave from the department to serve on active duty with the Air Force during Operation Desert Storm. When he returned to the department, he was promoted to sergeant in 1994, lieutenant in 1996, captain in 2003, and deputy chief in 2009.

Jebb was then appointed police chief in July 2014.

During his long career, Jebb also served as the department’s representative to the Drug Enforcement Task, headed the department’s Narcotics Bureau and served as commander of the department’s Special Response Team. He served as commanding officer of the Detective Bureau as well as the Patrol Division. Jebb was also the Internal Affairs officer and liaison to Westover Air Base and Westover Job Corps.

Jebb helped improve the department in a variety of ways during his time on the force. He helped with the renovation and upgrade of the main headquarters, the establishment of a comprehensive Field Training Officer program and also advanced training on Autism Awareness, Crisis Intervention, Peer Support and Fair and Impartial Policing. Jebb worked extensively on community involvement through his Community Outreach program and also established a Drug Abuse and Recovery Team. His goal was always to assist and connect Chicopee residents with any services they might need.

In 2020, Jebb underwent an eight hour heart surgery. The surgery replaced an aortic valve, removed an aortic aneurysm and performed bypass surgery on the main artery. In a press release issued by retired Public Information Officer Michael Wilk, it is said that Jebb will use his retirement to “continue his medical recovery.”

Jebb thanked many members of the Chicopee community for their support during his time in the department.

“Chief Jebb wishes to thank all the men and women of his department for their dedication and support. He would also like to thank former Mayor Richard Kos, Mayor John Vieau, members of the City Council, and City Department heads for all of their support during his tenure as chief. Chief Jebb would also like to thank the community for all of their support, and it has been his honor, and privilege to serve this community,” read the press release.

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