TOP COP SAYS GOODBYE
CHESTER POLICE COMMISSIONER OTIS BLAIR RETIRES AFTER 27 YEARS
“I’m getting older, so I decided it’s just time to move on, start a new chapter. I love it to death, but if I can’t give it 100 percent, then it’s time to move on. I don’t want to be one of those guys who die behind the desk. If I’m going to retire, I at least want to enjoy it.”
— Chester Police Commissioner Otis Blair
“You’ve shown nothing but professionalism, commitment and dedication to this city, to this council and to your colleagues. We appreciate all of the heartfelt love you’ve shown to this community through the years.”
— Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland
CHESTER » The city’s top cop announced his official retirement Wednesday after nearly three decades in law enforcement, saying he wants to focus on his health and his family.
“I’m getting older, so I decided it’s just time to move on, start a new chapter,” said Police Commissioner Otis Blair, whose official retirement date was Sept. 15. “I love it to death, but if I can’t give it 100 percent, then it’s time to move on. I don’t want to be one of those guys who die behind the desk. If I’m going to retire, I at least want to enjoy it.”
Blair has spent almost 30 years in law enforcement, close to 28 of those in Chester. He started as a patrolman in July 1993 and served in numerous capacities in the department over the years, including in the narcotics division, as a sergeant, then a captain and eventually deputy commissioner. Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland appointed Blair commissioner in 2017, following the retirement of Darren Alston at the end of 2016.
Blair, now 56, said Wednesday that he had a couple of health scares related to stress recently and his doctor has told him to take it easy. Blair said he had seen a few officers die over the years – some younger than him – and that Alston’s death from cancer earlier this year at age 57 was a wake-up call.
“It goes to show you that tomorrow is not promised to anybody,” said Blair. “I need to spend time with my family.”
Blair was honored for his service Wednesday morning during a Chester City Council meeting attended by dozens of local law enforcement officials, according to a release. Among them were Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Chief Executive Director of the Criminal Investigation Division and former Chester Deputy Police Commissioner James Nolan IV, current Deputy Chester Police Commissioner Steve Gretsky and U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Eric Gartner.
Blair was presented with a key to the city and a replica Chester Police Department badge on a plaque. Several people also spoke about the impact Blair’s leadership had on the force and the city, which saw drastic reductions in overall crime within his first two years as commissioner and a 38 percent decrease in homicides between 2017 and 2018, the lowest number recorded since 2009.
“As the mayor, it’s been a pleasure having you as the commissioner of our police department,” said Kirkland. “You’ve shown nothing but professionalism, commitment and dedication to this city, to this council and to your colleagues. We appreciate all of the heartfelt love you’ve shown to this community through the years.”
Blair credited his years of service to Chester Cpl. Michael Beverly, who was shot and killed while on patrol in October 2001, saying Beverly had encouraged him to apply to the department while he awaiting word from other possible positions.
Blair said he sat down and discussed the decision to retire nearly 30 years later with his family, and they agreed. It is bittersweet, he said, but 2020 has been an interesting and challenging year, and it’s thrown a wrench into many a plan.
“The situation in the world right now is changing,” he said. “It has changed and it is changing rapidly, and I don’t understand it. So, I figured it’s best to let somebody else take the reins and lead the guys.”
Blair said it is not up to him, but he would love to Gretsky take the mantle. Kirkland could not be reached for comment Wednesday on when a new appointment might be announced or who will take the position, but Blair said he believes whatever decision is made will be in the best interests of the city.
As for Blair, he intends to focus on his health and family before making any other plans.