Esserman Reappointed

Dean Esserman was reappointed as police chief — and shared with alders what’s next for him in his new term.

The Board of Alders voted unanimously Monday night to reappoint Esserman with a new, four-year contract.

Esserman became chief in November 2011, succeeding two short-term chiefs. Esserman, who makes $153,750, survived a change in the mayor’s seat this January.

Now he’s working with Mayor Toni Harp on a new initiative that formed after two teenagers were shot to death in the past two weeks.

The city is gathering cops, police, street outreach workers, truancy officers and members of the public on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on Webster Street. Teams of four will hit the streets and knock on doors in search of ​“at-risk youth,” Essermen told alders in a meeting Monday in City Hall. They will spread the word about a new mentoring program and about support services available to families and kids.