AVON - Avon's one-person police department has found a replacement for its outgoing chief.
The Avon City Council hired Dean DeJong, of Springfield, on Friday to take the place of Donald Mudder, who vacated his position with the department Feb. 10. DeJong, who has served on the Springfield Police Department for approximately 10 years, will take over the Avon Police Department April 10, according to Avon Mayor Kevin Tjeerdsma.
"We're really looking forward to having him as part of the community," Tjeerdsma said Monday. "His kids come to school in Avon, so he's looking forward to moving to Avon and we're glad to have that position filled."
With a population of 583 people, Avon is the third-smallest South Dakota town with its own police department. Hurley, located in rural Turner county, approximately 30 miles southwest of Sioux Falls with a population of 410, and Rosholt, population 423, located in Roberts County, each have police departments, according to their city websites.
