From Staff Reports

WEAVERVILLE — Assistant Police Chief Somer Oberlin on Feb. 14 was named to succeed Chief Ron Davis as Weaverville’s new police chief upon his retirement on April 1, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on Feb. 15.

The announcement of Oberlin’s appointment was made by Weaverville Town Manager Selena Coffey, who noted that, upon Davis’ departure, Oberlin will become the department's first female police chief.

Following more than 30 years of service, Davis announced plans for his retirement on Jan. 28, 

News 13 noted that “Oberlin began her journey with the Weaverville Police Department in 2014 as a patrol officer. A few years later in 2017, Oberlin became a detective. She later moved up to lieutenant and by 2020, the Weaverville Police Department appointed her to become the assistant chief of police.”

In a press release, Coffey stated the following about Oberlin’s WPD career thusfar:

“Among her many contributions to the town, Oberlin also served on the Domestic Violence Lethality Assessment Team, contributes to the Coordinated Community Response Team, and has undergone Trauma Intervention Program training to enhance support resources within the agency.”

Meanwhile, News 13 noted, “Town Manager Coffey, and (who is a) longtime friend of Oberlin's, said that after years of working with Oberlin, she knew she was the best fit for the job.”

News 13 quoted Coffey as saying, “We set out to find a way to create a succession plan where the perfect fit would be there... Soon as I met her (Oberlin), I knew she was going to make things happen. She's not afraid of difficult projects, she's great to talk to and has been a great support to me and my role as town manager.”

Meanwhile, News 13 described Oberlin as “excited and thrilled for this new opportunity and she is excited for what this new role holds.

“More than anything, she said she feels that she couldn’t have done it without the mentorship of Davis and Coffey.”

The TV station quoted Oberlin as describing her relationship with Davis as follows:

“He’s put a lot of time into educating us and helping us grow, teaching us confidence and being the mentor that the folks would be lucky to have.”

 Regarding Coffey, Oberlin was quoted by News 13 as saying the following:

"She (Coffey) has rendered me speechless a couple times with her amount of support. Her belief, her ability to see beyond what other people find at surface level. She has a way of building people up, giving the ability to help you grow, to give you the courage to take these brave steps and knowing that she'll have my back, no matter what comes down the line.”

Meanwhile, Coffey’s press release added the following:

“When asked about his successor, Chief Ron Davis responded, ‘On a daily basis, Somer shows her unwavering support and dedication to protect the community she holds dear.’”

“Town Manager Coffey added, ‘I have been impressed with Somer’s leadership and genuine concern for her team and the town’s residents from day one. She is a leader who truly cares, is motivated to do her best for our citizens, and puts her heart into everything she does. I am so very thankful to our new Chief Oberlin for accepting this position and look forward to working alongside her in serving the town’s residents.”