Former Deputy Chief Jobst  sworn in as Rockton’s new Chief of Police

As family, friends and fellow law enforcement looked on, former Deputy  Police Chief Justin Jobst was sworn in by Rockton Village Clerk Christina  Stewart as Rockton’s new Chief of Police  on  July 7 at the Board of Trustees meeting. 

Jobst has been in the Rockton Police Department for close to 24 years, bringing a wealth of experience into this top position. 

Jobst asked that his mother and father place a badge  on his uniform signifying his promotion. 

After taking the oath  Jobst said, “This is a tremendous milestone in my career. 

Jobst recognized a few distinguished guests starting with Rockton Village President John Peterson. He also named Village Administrator Happy Welch, and  all of the Rockton Village board members,Chief Deputy Ciganek from the Winnebago County Sheriff's  Department,  Deputy Chief Sander,  and Assistant Deputy Chief Gallagher of the Rockford Police Department, Chief Hawley of the Roscoe Police Department, Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Training Advisory Board Jeff Schelling, Chief Stockburger from the Cherry Valley Police Department, Chief Reiman from Durand and  members of the Fire and Police Commission. 

Jobst gave a special note of gratitude to his former Police Chiefs, Steve Dickson and Matt Hollinger  and to his  officers and family and friends, with a special thanks to  his children Lily and AJ.

Jobst shared his background, “I graduated high school when I was 17 and I left to  join the Navy. 

Jobst reflected as he named six of the Admirals, Captains and Commanders.

“I had the pleasure of working  alongside some of the best leaders and mentors a young man can ask for while in the US Navy. 

These men saw something in me and provided the confidence to excel through the ranks.”

Jobst said, “I stand here humbled, honored and proud to be your police chief. Back when I was hired in 2003 I told Chief Dickson, “Someday I am going to be the chief and look at me now.”

I asked myself, “What does it mean to be the police chief and what makes me the right person for the job? The answer is not so simple. 

I touched upon my prior  military background understanding such things as Chain of Command and Rank and File. 

But as a chief it is much more than that, I want to ensure the safety and stability for all those, not only outside these walls but also within these same  walls. 

I want to empower the officers and challenge them to improve. I will  acknowledge them when they do well and will hold them  accountable when they don’t. 

I want to give the community and the officers all of the tools they need  to excel and feel safe. 

I want to continue community relations by making sure that the public knows they can approach us or communicate with us without fear. 

I want to be transparent and to assure proper communication. I want the community to believe in this department and to  know that they can rely on us. 

We can do this on ourselves , we need to do it with you. 

We need to rely on your communication for our support. This can be as simple as tips on line, calls for service or merely raising your hand to ask us to stop to talk to you. 

I am very loyal to this department and will continue to remain loyal. I know the village, the residents, the businesses and the special events that we do. Most of all I know the Rockton culture. 

Jobst added, “In addition, the bulk of my command staff was in some form or fashion trained by me. I know the officers, I know their emotions, I know what makes them tick. 

I know what lanes they stay in, I also know how to  challenge them, how to help them  improve,  to help and  support them and how to provide for them. I am not going into this position seeking power or control. 

Jobst cited examples of challenging times. “I am aware of these matters. I will continue to monitor and to address these issues as they arise. 

I look forward to being your chief, watching this community grow and ensuring safety abroad. All I ask is, we need to rely on each other and by doing so we can accomplish great things together.”

Jobst’s history in police work:

After leaving the Navy, Jobst studied criminal justice at  Rock Valley College.

Sgt. Jobst joined former Officer Penny Cure in 2003 at the Illinois State Police Academy. 

For many years in a row, Jobst has led the department in DUI arrests and received certificates of appreciation from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. on multiple occasions.

In 2012 Sgt. Jobst was presented with the HERO Award in Springfield, IL by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, (MADD) for his enforcement efforts. 

In 2006 Sgt. Jobst won the Officer of the Year award from the Rockton Lions.

On Tuesday evening, Sept. 19, 2017 Sergeant Jobst was presented with a lifesaving award by former Police Chief Steve Dickson. After receiving a call, officers found a woman threatening to jump off of the Blackhawk bridge. 

Jobst's quick actions saved her life as he struggled to move her back over the railing onto the roadway where she would be safe.

Sgt. Jobst has assisted as a field training officer and has trained roughly over 25 new police officers. 

Jobst is a member of ILEAS, the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System. 

ILEAS is a mutual aid consortium of over 900 local governments, formed in response to the September 11 attacks.

His prior assignments included assisting Chicago law enforcement with protests on two separate occasions.

Sgt. Jobst has been a member of the Northern Illinois Police Memorial Honor Guard. 

On Sept. 15, 2017 Jobst was promoted to the rank of sergeant in a ceremony  held at the Old Stone Church. His wife Susan pinned his badge onto his uniform. 

He was sworn in by former Rockton Police Chief Steve Dickson that night. Deputy Chief Hollinger was Jobst's first supervisor at the Rockton Police Department.

Jobst quickly became a field training sergeant, a general training supervisor, and he had most recently been in charge of the department's incident management systems.

Jobst was promoted once again to Deputy Chief on  Nov. 21, 2023 where Jobst’s children pinned his badge on his uniform. 

Jobst's duties as the Deputy Chief included assisting the police chief in planning, organizing, and directing the patrol, investigative, administrative and internal affairs. Additionally he  supported service activities of the department and assumed responsibility for the department in the chief's absence.

Jobst has also participated in past Law Enforcement Torch Runs and Polar Plunges

 and has also taken active roles in supporting the Rockton Police Association and the Blues and BBQ’s event which is returning this summer! 

Rockton is assured to be in the best hands with Chief Jobst at the helm!