The town of Silverthorne announced Thursday, Aug. 24, that it has hired a new chief to fill the role left vacant earlier this year upon the retirement of longtime Chief John Minor.

Alice Cary, who currently serves as the chief of police and executive director at the University of Illinois Department of Public safety, will assume the head of the Silverthorne Police Department in September, according to a news release from the town.

“I am thrilled to join an exceptional agency, community and leadership team for the Town of Silverthorne,” Cary said in the news release. “The Silverthorne Police Department already has an exceptional reputation as a premier law enforcement agency, and I look forward to leading and learning from its talented staff.”

She added, “My pledge is that I will continue to build strong community relationships through innovative and forward-looking initiatives, foster a supportive workplace environment and that the Silverthorne community will continue to see the highest levels of service and professionalism under my leadership.”

Cary became the top choice after an extensive nationwide search and multiday assessment, the news release states. She has a master’s degree in criminal justice management, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the Northwestern Public Safety Staff and Command School.

Prior to working at the University of Illinois, Cary held the positions of police chief, patrol operations captain, patrol operations lieutenant, patrol sergeant, criminal investigator, state trooper, deputy sheriff and police officer, according to the news release.

The Silverthorne Police Department includes 21 sworn members, three administrative positions and a 12-person community police advisory board. The Silverthorne Police Chief is a member of the town’s leadership team and works alongside the town manager, assistant town manager, recreation and culture director, finance director and public works director, the release states.