DALLAS — As one police chief was being hailed for his decades of service, another was being welcomed in as a new leader.
Robert Jolley has served 29 years on the Dallas Township police force, 14 of them as chief.
But during his retirement ceremony April 26 at Newberry Estates Appletree Terrace, Jolley admitted that, although he’s hanging up his hat at the township, his extensive knowledge and training will still be put to good use.
Roughly 90 guests attended the ceremony, happily thanking the chief for his tenure and commitment to the township. Along with cocktails and dinner, Jolley was also recognized for his commitment to the community through two citations from Rep. Karen Boback and Sen. Lisa Baker.
While he admitted he didn’t necessarily want all the recognition, Jolley said he was thankful for everyone’s support and remarks.
“It’s very heartfelt to see something like this, and it’s also an opportunity to see your friends,” he said of the event, which was planned by the police department.
While Jolley is stepping away from his role with the township, Assistant Police Chief Doug Higgins will step up to the plate and attempt to fill some big shoes.
Higgins has assumed the title of Dallas Township Police Chief. Starting on the force in 1991, Higgins explained that much of what he knows today is because of his predecessor.
“As we went through, he kind of mentored me,” Higgins said of Jolley. “He had a way to find your strengths and push you that way, and that’s what he did with me. He made me step outside the box.”
In fact, many of the evening’s attendees spoke of the chief’s ability to educate those around him and, with his new role, Jolley will be able to do just that.
Last week, Jolley began his new role as the Academy Operations Coordinator for the Police Academy at Lackawanna College, and is remaining adjunct faculty at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. He is also pursuing his doctorate.
Jolley’s son, Jason, said his father has always had a passion for education, and believes he can continue to make an impact in the community by passing his knowledge on to future first responders.
His other family members agreed.
“I think he’s been a teacher his whole life, now he’s just calling it that,” his daughter Dana said. “He’s never been someone who’s been stagnant.”
Still, the event was “bittersweet,” according to Jolley’s wife Mary Ellen, with both her and Dana calling the ceremony the “end of an era.”
The family said they were proud of all of Jolley’s accomplishments, and were even able to learn some new perspectives themselves. For instance, Mary Ellen said her husband has taught her to take a step back and evaluate the entire situation rather than jump to conclusions.
As for Higgins, both mother and daughter said he is “more than qualified” to take on the position, and both believe his new role should create a smooth transition for both officers and the community alike.
“I think Higgins is very similar to Bob in personality, temperament and values,” Mary Ellen said. “Doug was one of the people that really wanted to learn, and I think he’s absorbed everything he can and he’s ready to fly.”
When asked how he felt about the change-of-pace, Jolley said it’s simply a part of individual growth, and he’s excited to begin the next chapter of his life.
“When we start anything, we know that there’s an evolution,” he said. “And this is just part of the natural evolution.”
