Sheriff-elect Kevin Dykes announced his selection of Jason Suydam as the chief deputy of the Chester County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) beginning Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Dykes, currently chief deputy, will be sworn in as Chester County sheriff on Friday, Dec. 29.

Suydam has more than two decades of leadership experience. With a background in both the government and private sectors, he holds advanced knowledge in public safety and law enforcement operations.

Suydam's experience includes founding and operating Northeast Defense Systems, a security and training company serving the private and government sectors; serving as the interim director of the Chester County Department of Emergency Services; and serving as a liaison to law enforcement agencies, as well as federal, state and regional partners as deputy director for law enforcement services. His expertise extends to public safety training and management as a certified trainer, and in employee relations, budget management, fleet and vendor management, and community relations.

He has received recognition from the United States Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police, and Chester County Chiefs of Police Executive Board, and he dedicates time to various executive boards and committees to ensure community and public safety.