Dewey Beach selects new police chief

According to a draft resolution posted on the Town of Dewey Beach website, Constance Speake is set to be confirmed by commissioner vote as the the town’s next police chief at the Jan. 13 council meeting.

The resolution states that Speake’s appointment is contingent upon her obtaining a Delaware Council on Police Training certification. The position became vacant after the retirement of longtime Chief Sam Mackert in June.

In September, Town Manager Bill Zolper announced the formation of working groups to assist in conducting interviews and making candidate recommendations.

According to the resolution, 32 candidates expressed interest in the position. The working groups ranked candidates and made recommendations, from which Zolper submitted four names to town commissioners for consideration. 

“The commissioners are impressed with Officer Speake’s public safety experience, professionalism and character and conclude that she is the ideal individual to lead the police department in the years to come,” the resolution states.

According to her LinkedIn page, Speake was a captain of the support services division of the Laurel City Police Department in Laurel, Md.

The commissioners’ meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave.