Elizabeth picks interim chief

from Elbert County News 020223

Dismantling the walls to wildlife in Colorado

Je Engel will lead police department during search

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Je Engel, a Douglas County sheri ’s deputy with a lengthy background in law enforcement, has been named interim police chief of Elizabeth, with the opportunity to apply for the permanent position.

e town announced its choice on Jan. 25 and said Engel would start in the role on Jan. 30. Engel was chosen for the top spot nearly two months after the sudden resignation of former chief Melvin Berghahn, who stepped down on Dec. 1.

“ e town is excited to have the interim position lled,” said Elizabeth Town Administrator Patrick Davidson. “Je comes to the town with an extensive career in law enforcement. His initial role will be to assist in the day-to-day operations of the police department, but also to help train and expand the knowledge of our o cers.”

Davidson said the town is proceeding with a formal search to ll the permanent position, and has retained KRW Associates LLC to assist in the search. KRW has a long history of police chief placements in Colorado and surrounding states.

Engel will have the opportunity to apply for the permanent position when the recruiting process opens. e town expects to have the permanent position lled before June.

“Je has over 33 years of experience in law enforcement and has been employed by the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce for over 15 years,” the town announcement said. “During his career in law enforcement, Je has held the positions of police ocer, deputy sheri , sergeant, lieutenant and chief of police.” e announcement said Engel received a bachelor’s degree in criminal science from the University of Wisconsin, a master’s degree in public administration from Concordia University, a Certi ed Professional Public Manager’s Certi cate from the University of ColoradoDenver, and is a graduate of the FBI Command College.