Police Chief Chat

The Rolla Police Department handled 805 calls for service. Of these calls there were: 56 hang up 911 calls, 28 disturbance calls (domestic or other), 26 traffic complaints, 131 traffic stops, 24 arrests, 15 assist of other agencies, 49 follow up investigations, 3 tow stickers applied, 14 escorts, 40 animal control type calls, 5 abandoned vehicle calls, 10 intoxicated persons calls. This total is up 19 calls from last week!

In reference to the officer involved shooting incident on Saturday, June 5, 2010, I would like to offer this statement. As Chief of Police I first want to say that the shooting incident that took place is a terrible tragedy, these types of events affect so many people. Our prayers go out to the officer and his family, as well as to A.J. and his family. There are so many different levels of emotion that surround an incident like this and it is usually best to say very little and to be careful about what we write. We (RPD) and those involved appreciate the support and understanding offered during this difficult time. I started our Chief Chat column and FaceBook site as a way to communicate with the public and to give you insight into the Rolla Police Department. I do not like censoring people as I believe in free speech, so please be respectful to all involved, as I will step in if need be. Thank you.

On Monday, June 7th, 2010, Cpt. Jason Smith attended a reception in Springfield, Missouri honoring the Barwick/Newton National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund and hosted by the Burlington Northern / Santa Fe Railroad. The Barwick/Newton National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund was established in 2004 in honor of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Barwick and Missouri State Highway Patrolman Michael Newton, both of whom were killed in the line of duty. The fund will assist with transportation and other expenses incurred by family members of fallen officers who travel to Washington D.C. to participate in National Police Week for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Dedication ceremonies where the names of the fallen officers are added to the memorial each year. Burlington Northern / Santa Fe Railway sponsored the event where attendees were treated to Hors D’oeuvres aboard the BNSF Lake Superior and Valley View business cars while traveling on a round trip to Lebanon, Missouri. Along the route BNSF surprised the attendees and staff of the Barwick/Newton fund with a generous donation of $5,000.00 for the cause.

On Saturday, June 5, 2010, we held our annual bicycle / small equipment auction at the Rolla Police Department. Over 55 recovered or abandoned bicycles were sold as well as other lawn maintenance equipment for a total just over $1,000.00. Special thanks to auctioneer Mike Flett and City of Rolla Finance Director Stephanie Melton for their assistance.

Also on Saturday, June 5, 2010 we held our 3rd Annual Fire Truck Pull to benefit the Veteran’s Memorial Park. We had 3 teams of 10 members competing to pull a fully loaded Rolla Fire and Rescue fire truck a distance of 20 feet for the best elapsed time. This year’s winner was the Fairground Auto Plaza team and team Captain Mark Wood who took the 1st Place Trophy with an elapsed time of 9.8 seconds. Second Place was awarded to the American Legion Team and team Captain S/Sgt. Hawkins with an elapsed time of 10.8 seconds. And in Third Place was the Rolla Police Department team with team Captain Detective Hank Harper with an elapsed time of 10.9 seconds! The event raised $300.00 for the Veteran’s Memorial Park located on Southview Drive. Thanks for helping us help the veterans!