William J. Oswalt
Chief

Badge #1600

Employment and history:  

Chief. Oswalt was born and raised on a farm in central Iowa.   He joined the Navy in 1976 and was stationed in such places as San Diego, California, Cutler, Maine, Keflavik, Iceland, Cheltenham, Maryland and Washington D.C. It was during his tour of duty in Maine that Bill first came to Jaffrey in 1978. He and his family returned to live in Jaffrey in 1987.

Chief Oswalt’s first involvement in emergency services was with the Jaffrey Fire Department, which he joined in 1988. He is still currently a member of that department.  Chief Oswalt became involved in police work starting as a part time officer with the Jaffrey Police Department in 1993.  His status changed to full time officer in 1994 and he completed the NH Police Academy training in March of 1995.

In 1999 Lt. Oswalt was assigned as the department's detective and promoted to sergeant on December 1, 2003.  

Chief Oswalt considers his position to be one of  "information coordinator"  and feels that participation by the community is vital to the success of any police investigation.  He therefore encourages anyone from within the community or outside Jaffrey’s borders to contact him via telephone (603-532-7865), letter (26 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452) or e-mail Chief Oswalt with any questions or concerns about criminal activities in the region or any other topic that you feel the police department might be able to be of some assistance.

Chief Oswalt has been awarded Officer of the Year 2002, Patriot Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal.

On July 10th, 2007 Lt. William Oswalt was promoted and sworn in as the Jaffrey Chief of Police.