Wellen becomes Watford City’s new police chief
By Ashleigh Plemper
Farmer Staff Writer
Jesse Wellen, a 10-year veteran and current assistant chief with the Watford City Police Department (WCPD), will become the city’s newest police chief after his appointment by Mayor Phil Riely was approved at the April 5 city council meeting. Wellen replaces Shawn Doble, who is stepping down from that position on April 19.
While Wellen’s career with the WCPD began 10 years ago, his time to serve and protect began years before he came to Watford City.
“I started my career with the U.S. Army in 2003,” says Wellen.
After starting out as a private, Wellen worked his way through the ranks to become a Sergeant.
After completing basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., Wellen would be deployed to his duty station in Baumholder, Germany, with the 2nd Battalion 6th Infantry Regiment.
Though the military and law enforcement do differentiate, Wellen says his military experience helped to refine him for working in law enforcement.