GLOCESTER – New Police Chief Jeff Jenison says one of his greatest strengths in leading the department is that he’s been there himself.
Starting in 2001 as a part-time, one-day-per-week dispatcher for three years, says Jenison, he’s able to relate to staff in any capacity.
The backstory on Jenison is that he grew up in Burrillville and comes from the family that owns Warwick Poultry. He went to school for business management, but when relatives asked him if there was some other occupation he might want to try because they were going to be there for a while, he explored opportunities.
He’d always had an interest in public safety sand service, he told The Local Insider, so he started out as the part-time dispatcher before getting an offer three years later to go to the Police Academy.
Growing up in Burrillville, he said, he always saw the value in service, which is why he also became a volunteer firefighter.
“In 2004, he was sworn in as a police officer, and through years of hard work, and dedication, he rose through the ranks to become the department’s newest chief of police,” states a release from the department.
His time as captain in the department lasted little more than a “hot minute,” said Jenison, who will turn 47 years old in September, as Chief Joseph DelPrete announced his retirement and he was promoted to acting chief for two months before applying for the full-time job.
On his leadership style, Jenison said he’s always been a hands-on individual, and never asks anyone to do something he wouldn’t do. He started from the ground up in the department, he told The Local Insider, so he understands all aspects of the agency, including dispatching.
Having gone through it himself, he said, he has a good understanding, and when officers have questions and concerns, he gets it.
He said he maintains an open-door policy for anyone to come talk to him about anything.
A North Kingstown resident, Jenison is married to Dawn, a Johnston native, and they have three children. They built their home in 2009 after meeting at a Newport Saint Patrick’s Day parade and later marrying. He said North Kingstown was as far north as he could get her to go, and they’ve loved getting involved in a great school system and sports programs in that town.
On his plans for the department, Jenison said it’s all about pushing forward. He said he always tells those around him that it can be tough in a small agency with few promotion opportunities, so to always let him know if they have an interest in a certain aspect of policing, such as accident reconstruction or BCI investigations, and he can look into training and certifications in those areas. That’s also how they’ll continue to be a “well-trained and oiled department,” he said.
Jenison said the group currently working at the Glocester Police Department is a great one, and he feels so fortunate to lead the men and women of the department that he sometimes pinches himself.
Throughout his career, stated the department announcement, Jenison has taken on numerous specialized roles and responsibilities highlighting his commitment to law enforcement. To name a few, he has served as a member of the DEA Task Force, was FDA Certified in Tobacco Enforcement, a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), and has worked as a field training officer, helping to train and mentor the next generation of officers. In addition, he has earned many awards and commendations recognizing his service and dedication.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, it states, Jenison has also given back to the community through years of volunteer work, proudly supporting the Special Olympics Torch Run and helping to raise awareness and support for athletes across the state.
“Chief Jenison has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the residents of Glocester,” it reads. “His integrity, professionalism, and genuine care for this community have earned him the respect of his fellow officers and the people he serves each day. There is no one more dedicated to the town of Glocester, and we are excited to see the department continue to grow under his leadership. Please join us in congratulating Chief Jeff Jenison on this well-deserved achievement.”
