Springfield (KMTR) - After a 43 year law enforcement career with Springfield, Chief Jerry Smith will retire effective May 1, 2013.
Smith directs a staff of 118 including 81 sworn officers and manages a budget of more than $19 million. A search for his successor will follow.
Under Smith’s leadership the department flourished and over recent years made the most noticeable positive impacts on the community by building and staffing a municipal jail and leading police work that has pushed a significant drop in crime city-wide.
City Manager Gino Grimaldi said, “Jerry is a visionary leader who has had a dramatic positive impact on the lives of those in our community. A tireless worker, he placed the needs of our community in front of his own. He will be greatly missed, but he has earned an opportunity to spend more time with his family.”
“Jerry worked hard to build relationships with members of our community and we have all benefited from his dedication,” said Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg.
“It is my conviction that there is no greater community to have served, nor finer, caring individuals with whom I have had the privilege to work beside. It is now time for a new chapter in my life and a new chapter for the police department,” said Smith.
