Doylestown Township Police Sergeant Jessica Whiteside was promoted to lieutenant last week, becoming the department’s new second-in-command and the first woman to hold the position.
Police Chief Chuck Ziegler recommended Whiteside for the post following a six-week evaluation process earlier this year that included three candidates.
“All three of them did a tremendous job, but I had to make the tough decision, and evaluating the six-week process, it was clear that Jessica was the choice,” Ziegler told supervisors at their meeting on Sept. 16.
Whiteside, who joined the township department in 2015 after five years with Montgomery County agencies, has built a resume that includes breaking new ground as the department’s first female motor patrol officer. She has also served as a field training officer, mentoring many of the officers now serving in the department.
In 2020, Whiteside was promoted to sergeant and quickly became a leader in community outreach, spearheading the township’s National Night Out event. She has also played a key role in the department’s hiring and selection process, participating in every hire since 2021.
“She has the experience,” Ziegler said. “She also completed her bachelor’s degree in public safety administration in August of this year, and she has attended the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command.”
Supervisors unanimously approved her promotion, which was formalized in a swearing-in ceremony conducted by Judge Matt Weintraub.
