Wilson becomes squad’s first sergeant
By:Vanessa S. Holt
CHESTERFIELD — For the first time, the township’s Police Department has a sergeant on the force.
Kyle D. Wilson, 26, received a promotion from patrolman to sergeant and took his oath of office May 25 during the Township Committee meeting.
Sgt. Wilson joined the Chesterfield Township Police Department in 1996, after graduating from the 19-week training program at Burlington County Police Academy.
He also is a 1992 graduate of Northern Burlington County Regional High School, and he studied law enforcement at Mercer County Community College.
Chesterfield Township has a police force of six, including four patrolmen, Chief Dale Cole and the new sergeant.
“I’m still in shock about it,” said Sgt. Wilson about his promotion.
Chief Cole said that he had approached the Township Committee about creating the position earlier this year, and sat down with township solicitor John Gillespie to draft an ordinance creating the position.
“The department has matured, and we needed a second in command,” explained the chief.
“He has matured into a fine officer,” said Chief Cole of the new sergeant. “He’s very knowledgeable. He met all the requirements, took the South Jersey Police Chief’s test, and came before a board of review consisting of myself and Chief James Humble of Mansfield Township.”
The ordinance was approved April 13 by township committee. The salary for the new position is $36,500.
The sergeant’s duties include handling internal affairs, evidence, scheduling, reviewing reports, and maintaining equipment. He also is authorized to make decisions if the chief is not present.
A new job is not the only change coming up for Sgt. Wilson, who has a wedding planned in July. In his free time, he is working on building his own house in the township.
Sgt. Wilson is the fifth generation of his family born in Chesterfield. He has two brothers in the township as well, but he is the only member of the family involved in law enforcement.
“It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
The hardest part about being a police officer in his home town, he said, has been when he has to arrest or confront people that he grew up with.
“You have to do your job,” he said.
Chesterfield Township police are all required to be EMT-certified, said Chief Cole. In addition to this, Sgt. Wilson also has been a member of the township emergency squad and fire company for several years.
Committeeman Larry Durr said he was “glad to be able to give the oath of office” to the new sergeant at last week’s committee meeting.
Mr. Durr said he had known the Wilsons for many years, and Sgt. Wilson’s grandmother, Doris Lamson, retired as registrar of vital statistics for the township.