Albemarle announces new police chief

Photo courtesy of the Albemarle Police Department

ALBEMARLE — Albemarle city manager Michael Ferris announced Tuesday the hiring of Jason T. Bollhorst as the city’s new police chief. Bollhorst will officially begin on Oct. 4. The position had been open since the sudden retirement of Chief David Dulin on June 9, when David Poston was announced as the interim chief.  

“We are very excited to have Jason Bollhorst serve as our next Chief of Police,” Ferris said in the announcement. “He was selected after an extensive search and thorough process. It is no small challenge to have made it through the competitive process to be the candidate selected. We are also fortunate that Chief Bollhorst has selected Albemarle. A consistent characteristic that was demonstrated throughout was his commitment to serving the public and in supporting high-quality, professional law enforcement. More than ever, these traits are critical to the success of anyone serving in this profession. I personally look forward to working with Chief Bollhorst and to what he will bring to the city, department, and the public we serve.”  

Bollhorst comes to the city from Newport News, Virginia. In his 26-year police career, he served in several positions of increasing rank and responsibility.  

According to the city’s press release, “Chief Bollhorst held supervisory positions for 10 years in Patrol Operations, Tactical Operations (SWAT) and Investigations; narcotics, gangs, and criminal enterprises associated with federal task force operations. His leadership at the rank of Captain includes five years of experience in three of the agency’s six Divisions. Chief Bollhorst spent two years with the Professional Standards Division which housed Training and Internal Affairs, over two years as the Commander of South Precinct in the Patrol Division, and one year with the Special Investigations Division.” 

Bollhorst and his wife of 29 years, Sherrie, have three daughters: Caitlin, Madison and Sydney. His education and training include an associate’s degree in Police Science from Thomas Nelson Community College, a bachelor’s degree in governmental administration from Christopher Newport University and graduation from the 66th class of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute. 

“It is vital that all members of the Albemarle Police Department support the City’s efforts to establish and maintain a safe and harmonious environment for the citizens, stakeholders and visitors of the city,” Bollhorst said in the statement. “The front line civilian staff, officers, and supervisors are critical in accomplishing our mission. I will continue to promote a positive work environment conducive to internal growth which encourages appropriate levels of coaching and mentoring for all the men and women in the Police Department.”