Bethalto Welcomes New Police Chief Ryan Dugger to Lead Force

BETHALTO — At Monday night’s Bethalto City Council meeting, Ryan Dugger was officially sworn in as the new Bethalto Police Chief.

Dugger, a 2003 graduate of Civic Memorial High School, was unanimously approved by the council for the position. He replaces former Chief Jason Lamb, who was previously placed on administrative leave for undisclosed reasons.

Dugger brings prior leadership experience to the role, having served as police chief in Mount Olive before joining the Bethalto Police Department. He was promoted to sergeant on Nov. 12, 2018.

“My goal as chief is to run a proactive police department,” Dugger said. “It’s a great feeling. I was chief in Mount Olive for eight and a half years, but to be the chief in my hometown is special. I have an open-door policy — if anyone has questions, they can come talk to me.”

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