CHUBBUCK — Newly appointed Chubbuck Police Chief Nick Sasser has officially taken the reins of the Chubbuck Police Department and hopes to continue serving the community in his new leadership role.

Sasser, who grew up in the Pocatello-Chubbuck area and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1998, has been with the Chubbuck Police Department since 2007, when he was hired as a patrol officer.

Sasser has held many leadership positions during his 16 years with the department, including field training officer, arrest techniques instructor, Taser instructor, impact weapons instructor and a field training officer supervisor. He has also served as a patrol sergeant and a detective sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division.

Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England appointed Sasser as the city’s new police chief and his appointment was confirmed on May 17.

Sasser took over as chief on June 23 following now-retired former Chubbuck Police Chief Bill Guiberson’s last day on the job. Guiberson served as police chief for about six years, but spent 29 years in local law enforcement.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity,” Sasser said. “I feel like the agency has prepared me well up to this point to take over. Chief Guiberson left us in a pretty good spot, so I just honestly plan on continuing that trend.”

Sasser said he feels fortunate to work in a place where people are supportive of law enforcement. He will be formally sworn in by Mayor England on Wednesday.