Collinsville Police Chief Jeff Ashabranner’s last day on the job was March 5.
Long time Collinsville PD Lieutenant Jon Cheshire has been sworn in as Interim Police Chief.
Ashabranner tendered his resignation to the city council in letter late last month after accepting a Chief’s position at Bartonville where he will replace Chief Kirk Riggs.
Riggs is moving to the town’s city administrator position.
In a post to social media last week, Collinsville city administrator Dannielle Talley said, “We offer our heartfelt thanks to Chief Ashabranner for his eight years of service to our city and community.”
Cheshire is a veteran police officer. Of his 20 total years of service, 15 of those have been spent with the Collinsville Police Department.
He is a 2001 graduate of Collinsville High School.
“Growing up in Collinsville, Jon has observed the community’s development,” the social media post continued. “Chief Cheshire is known for his integrity, discipline, and strong work ethic.
“Building on the strong leadership he has experienced, Chief Cheshire has developed a compelling vision for our department.”
Ashabranner expressed gratitude in his resignation letter.
“It was a profound honor to be selected as your Chief of Police, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my seven-year tenure serving this community,” Ashabranner wrote. “I will truly miss the dedicated colleagues and friends with whom I have had the pleasure of working daily. I extend my sincere gratitude to the City Council for their unwavering support in providing the department with the necessary equipment and the professional autonomy required to lead effectively.”
Ashabranner also expressed full support of Cheshire.
“I have every confidence that the department will continue to thrive and expand under Lt. Cheshire’s capable leadership,” he said.
