Westmoreland sheriff appoints new chief deputy

Westmoreland County Sheriff James Albert on Thursday announced the hiring of his fourth chief deputy since taking office in 2020.

Albert, a Republican who was elected to his second four-year term last fall, named Jennifer Shipley as his second in command.

Shipley, 37, of Youngwood has worked in the Sheriff’s Office since 2009 and has held various positions, including as a corporal in the fugitive unit and as a sergeant who assisted local police departments with undercover operations. She also has served as the Sheriff’s Office quartermaster and supervisor in charge of the training of new deputies.

Shipley replaces former Chief Deputy John Rock, who resigned in September.

Upon taking office in 2020, Albert promoted Shipley to captain to serve as his third in command of the office that includes 75 uniformed deputies and nine civilian staffers.

“It’s humbling, and I am excited to take on this new role,” Shipley said. “It has been an honor to be a part of the team at the Sheriff’s Office, and I am proud to work here.”

Albert initially hired former District Judge Roger Eckels, who served for 13 months in the post before retiring in 2021. Eckels’ replacement, Thomas Abraham, served several months before he resigned that year and was replaced by Rock.

Albert said Shipley has served as the department’s interim chief deputy since last fall.

“She’s well suited for the chief deputy role. It was a long overdue, and she is well deserving,” Albert said.

Shipley’s new role comes with a new salary that was increased by more than $19,000 Thursday by the county’s salary board. She will earn $72,768 annually as chief deputy.