Ohio Valley Chief Deputy retires after 46 years of service

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) After 46 years of service to the citizens of Jefferson County, Chief Deputy Susan Bell has retired.

According to a post on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page , Sheriff Fred J. Abdalla, Jr. and the entire Sheriff’s Office family would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations and sincere thank you to Chief Deputy Susan Bell who retired on July 1, 2024, after forty-six years of service to the citizens of Jefferson County.

“Chief Bell has been a trailblazer in Jefferson County Law Enforcement. She began her career with the Wells Township and Brilliant Police Departments, and ultimately the Sheriff’s Office where she was a dispatcher and later worked patrol for a number of years before being promoted to Detective. Over the years she climbed through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and finally, became the first female Chief Deputy in the history of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.”

The post shares, “As a detective, Chief Bell quickly became known for her tenacity while working all cases but primarily worked on investigations involving children alongside Sheriff Fred J. Abdalla, Sr. Chief Bell ensured that countless child victims of sexual and physical abuse had a voice. As the years passed, many of these victims would approach her and thank her for the attention and dedication she gave to each of them.”

Although they are sad to see her go, they are all happy for her achievement of retirement they say.

The post states, Chief Bell has been a leader, a mentor, a no-nonsense boss, a well of wisdom, and overall, a lifelong beloved friend to all who have worked with her. Although we congratulate Chief Bell on her well-earned retirement, she leaves an unfulfillable place both in the Sheriff’s Office and the hearts of her co-workers.

They say Even during her tenure, stories of Chief Bell were always told with a smile and a warmness that filled the room. Oftentimes, fellow employees of all ranks could be found in her office seeking advice and guidance that only her level of experience could give. And despite her being a Baltimore Ravens fan, we respected and welcomed her expertise and perspicacity.

The heartfelt post ends with this quote, “God bless you, dearest Chief Susan Bell. We love you.”

From everyone here at WTRF, congratulations on your retirement!

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