POLICE CHIEF TO RETIRE

The City of St. Joseph has announced the retirement of Police Chief Chris Connally. After more than 16 years of service with the organization, Chief Connally will retire on Friday, September 30.

Connally was sworn in as St Joseph’s Chief of Police in January 2006. After being honorably discharged from the United States Navy, he began his police career in 1984 with the Norfolk Port and Industrial Authority Police. In 1986, he went to work for the City of Portsmouth, retiring as assistant chief from the Portsmouth, Virginia Police Department in December 2005. During his tenure as police chief for the City of St. Joseph, he stepped into the role as interim city manager twice

In addition to his official duties, Chief Connally worked as an adjunct faculty member with Missouri Western State University and a member of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, the St. Joseph Youth Alliance, the Safety Council, The Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He has been recognized by the local NAACP and YWCA as the 2016 recipient of the Kelsy Beshears Racial Justice Award. Additionally, he was presented with the David G. Berger Community Service Award from Interserv, and the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.

City Manager Bryan Carter recognized Connally’s accomplishments and commitment to St. Joseph. “We appreciate Chief Connally’s dedication to the police department and the community over the past 16 years. He has been instrumental in addressing issues related to crime and other challenges we have faced in modern times. His willingness to address those challenges has been commendable and his insight into policing and local government invaluable.” Carter also praised his service as interim city manager stating, “Chris’ knowledge and leadership provided a smooth transition from long-time city managers on two occasions. We are grateful for his service, and we wish him the best in retirement.”

Commander Dave Hart will serve as the interim police chief. Hart is a native of St. Joseph, and a graduate of Bishop LeBlond High School and Missouri Western State University. He joined the St. Joseph Police Department in 1999 and spent five years working patrol. Hart then transferred to investigations where he worked crimes against children and computer crimes. He was promoted to sergeant in 2010, captain in 2013, and his current position as commander in 2019. Hart will assume leadership of the police department on October 1.

“We look forward to Commander Hart’s leadership of the police department as we begin the search for the next police chief,” stated Carter. “Dave is filling one of our community’s most critical roles and I am confident he will deliver the professionalism and dedication that our community deserves while supporting our frontline police personnel as they serve our community.”