Thank You!
West Chester Township congratulates its local law enforcement professionals who’ve decided to call it a career after decades of service working tirelessly to keep our community safe.
Congratulations on retirement to former West Chester Police Chief Col. Joel Herzog who celebrated 33 years of service following his June 2024 retirement. Chief Herzog was hired as an officer with the West Chester Township Police Department in 1991, was promoted to captain in 2001 and appointed Chief of Police in 2014.
Before his departure, Chief Herzog gave an exclusive interview to West Chester TV about his time on the force. Watch the West Chester Storytellers episode on the WCTV app, and read the accompanying staff profile in the spring/summer issue of the mailed newsletter, West Chester COMMUNITY REPORT.
Fellow lawmen Lieutenant Paul Haering, Officer Ernie Malott, Officer Tim Mintkenbaugh and Officer Gary Gabbard each joined the Chief in retirement this year. Their invaluable contributions represent a combined 150+ years of work in public safety services, maintaining West Chester, Ohio’s stellar reputation as one of the “Best Places to Live” in America! Continue reading after the jump for more about the tenured careers and meritorious accomplishments of these four outstanding civil servants.
Connect with the West Chester Police at www.WestChesterOH.org/Police.
Gary Gabbard
Officer Gary Gabbard retired in May following 25 years of service to West Chester Township. Officer Gabbard served in various units and earned numerous awards and commendations. He’s cherished for his days working as a School Resource Officer for Lakota Local Schools, having spent school years in the halls of Adena Elementary and Shawnee Early Childhood School. Officer Gabbard is considered the “Mayor” of Lakota Safety Village, a summer readiness program for incoming Kindergarteners, which he established in 2022.
Paul Haering
Lieutenant Paul Haering also retired in May after 36 years of service to West Chester Township. Lt. Haering was central in the development of major department programs as a trusted advisor to the Police Command staff. He served as a supervisor of the Uniformed Patrol Bureau, the Community Affairs Bureau, the Criminal Investigations Section, the Directed Patrol Unit, and the Integrity and Development Section as well as the Firearms Training Unit. Lt. Haering is a 2003 graduate of the Ohio Police Executive Leadership College, and he received multiple commendations and awards throughout his career.
Ernie Malott
Officer Charles “Ernie” Malott retired in February with 33 years of service to West Chester Township. Officer Malott leaves a lasting legacy for his two decades of work and leadership on the Crisis Negotiation Team. Most notably, he received awards for negotiating the release of a 10-year-old child from an armed man who shot at police, the surrender of a bank robber, and the surrender of numerous suicidal people. In November 2022, the West Chester Police Department created the “Charles E. Malott Award for Crisis Negotiations” which is bestowed upon worthy colleagues who follow his example.
Tim Mintkenbaugh
Officer Tim Mintkenbaugh retired this July with four years of service to his country in the United States Army and after 29 years of service to West Chester Township. Officer Mintkenbaugh may be most widely remembered here as “Officer Tim” because of his friendly, approachable demeanor working as a School Resource Officer at Lakota West High School and Butler Tech Bioscience Center. He's comforted countless citizens and colleagues through some of life’s most difficult tragedies in his longtime role as Police Chaplain. Officer Mintkenbaugh received numerous recognitions during his career including the aforementioned Charles E. Malott Award for Crisis Negotiations in 2024.
Thinking about police careers? Whether new to the law enforcement profession or looking for lateral transfer opportunities, West Chester Police Department has a roster spot for you! Learn more and apply online at www.WestChesterOH.org/Apply.