Aldermen Honor Retiring Police Chief, Narrow Down Chief Candidates

At Wednesday’s Wentzville Board of Aldermen meeting, the board honored Police Chief Robert Noonan for his years of service to the city.

Noonan is retiring next Tuesday. He has served as the Wentzville police chief for 14 years and has been in law enforcement for 42 years.

Among his many accomplishments, the Missouri Federation of Police Chiefs named Noonan “Police Chief of the Year” in 2005.

Mayor Paul Lambi read Noonan's certificate of appreciation aloud. Lambi said since Noonan's appointment to chief in 1997, the police department has more than doubled.

“His dedicated interest and devotion to duty have had a valuable effect of efficiency and morals on the and the , and we wish to extend to him our sincere appreciation for his outstanding performance of duty,” Lambi said.

Lambi said Chief Noonan will be sorely missed.

The board passed a resolution that allows Noonan to keep his duty service pistol.

The resolution states that Noonan is to keep the pistol to further assist the police department if needed, and for his own protection.

“Chief Noonan will continue to be known throughout the community as connected with the Wentzville Police Department and may continue to be in harm’s way.”

Mayor Lambi also presented Noonan with his retirement badge.

After Lambi read the certificate of appreciation, Noonan received a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.

Board Narrows Down Candidates For New Police Chief

There are only five remaining candidates for the city of Wentzville’s new police chief.

Chief Noonan said 71 police officers applied for the position.

The board will be conducting one hour long interviews with potential chiefs on Nov. 19.

The Missouri Police Chiefs Association has assisted the city in selecting the remaining candidates since July. The city paid the association $7,500 for their services.

Since the chiefs association has pre-interviewed all of the candidates before bringing them before the board, Mayor Paul Lambi suggested the board conduct the interviews on their own.

Lambi said the interview questions should be catered toward what the board would like to see in a chief and what is best for Wentzville’s needs.

Alderman Rick Stokes, Ward 3, agreed with the mayor. Stokes said he commends the Missouri Police Association for making the task of selecting a new chief easier.

“I think it is a great confidence to the city that we have found such fine candidates,” Stokes said.

Due to the fact that personnel matters are discussed in closed meetings only, the public will not be invited to sit in on the interviews.