Chief of Police Todd Smith announced his plans to retire from his position effective August 23, 2020, after 11 years of service in this position. Town Manager Larry Pardee commented, “I want to thank Chief Smith for his leadership and nearly 29 years of dedicated public service to the Town of Jackson, the last decade-plus of which he served as the Chief of Police. The current quality of the Department and the caliber of the officers on the team are a direct result of his leadership.”
Smith initially served with the Jackson Police Department as a Community Resource Officer starting in 1991. Following graduation from the Police Academy in 1992 he became a sworn police officer, then detective and moved up through the ranks to become the Interim Chief of Police in June of 2009. In January of 2010 he accepted the position as Chief of the Jackson Police Department. Smith had indicated at the Council’s retreat in January of this year, his intention to retire at some point in the near future.
Smith recognized the caliber of officers in the department and added, “I am honored to have had the chance to work along-side some truly incredible men and women who are always willing to be there for this community when they need them most.” Smith also added, “I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself.”
Pardee named Sergeant Michelle Weber as Acting Chief of Police to serve in the interim until longer term decisions could be made. Weber currently serves as the Support/Training Sergeant in the Department and fills roles including community relations, budgeting, patrol supervision as well as Victim Services and Community Service oversight.
She is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy, a 10 week professional course of study developed to improve the administration of justice in police departments worldwide. Sergeant Weber is also a graduate of Leadership Jackson Hole and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Management. Weber was hired by the Town of Jackson in 1998 and has served in law enforcement since 2004.
Pardee noted, “Sergeant Weber is ideally situated to assist the Town of Jackson during this interim period and will assist us in looking for ways to improve and push our standards higher.”
When asked to comment on the interim appointment, Weber noted, “I am honored to be selected as the Acting Chief of Police and I look forward to continuing my service to the community.”
The position of Chief of Police reports to the Town Manager and serves on the staff leadership team for the Town of Jackson.