OPD’s deputy chief will take over top spot when Roberts retires

Olympia’s deputy police chief will take over as interim police chief when Chief Ronnie Roberts retires this week.

Aaron Jelcick, 50, started his career in law enforcement as an officer with Olympia Police Department 26 years ago. He served on the walking patrol, as a training officer, detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant and special operations lieutenant.

As deputy chief for the past three years, Jelcick led the patrol and special operations divisions and took over when Roberts was away.

“We’re not going to make any significant changes,” Jelcick said, noting Roberts’ departure triggered other leadership changes in the department. “We’re going to keep our heads down and try to be part of the solution.”

Roberts’ last day is Friday. Jelcick could be in the interim spot for a while, since the City Council will first hire a new city manager after former City Manager Steve Hall retired last month. The new city manager will then hire a new police chief.

The city manager search is expected to get started in late January.

Jelcick said Lt. Rich Allen will take over as deputy police chief.

This story was originally published December 4, 2019 at 6:00 AM.