Name: Stephanie Hellebusch
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from Marthasville, Missouri and graduated from Washington High School in 2002.
Do you have any prior public safety experience? My prior public safety experience was the Marthasville Fire Dept Auxiliary. I also have a lot of family members who are currently full-time fire fighter/paramedic or who have retired from being a full-time fire fighter. Growing up, my dad was the Chief of the Marthasville Fire Department for approximately 5 years.
When did you join Washington PD and why? I originally started in 2011 in the Finance Department at City Hall and I transferred to the PD in 2017. I was ready for a change of pace. I have never worked with law enforcement before but having first responders in my family I felt I could handle the new task.
What is your job assignment? I’m an Administrative Assistant the Records Division of Washington PD. I handle several different tasks that include processing records requests, checking tickets and crash reports that have been written to ensure needed information is present, sending reports to the Prosecuting Attorney for review, and processing all departmental bills.
I’m also a certified child safety seat installation technician. If you need your car seat checked, please stop by and see me. I would be happy to make sure all of our precious cargo is safe every time they are in the vehicle.
What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement and one thing you didn’t know until after you started? I wish the public understood that behind every badge is a person who chose a difficult job to help others. Police officers are human too, and they serve with compassion, courage and heart. The officers I work with are all wonderful human beings, and they know how to make our office laugh daily.
One thing I didn’t realize until I started working for the PD is how checking reports for needed information and hearing the radio traffic between officers and dispatchers could affect me. There are a lot of things that I’ve heard or read that have left a lasting impression on me. I often find myself thinking about those incidents and how it changed my outlook on life.
What do you enjoy outside of work? I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my family. I especially enjoy watching my kids play sports. My three boys, Hunter, Logan, and Grant, and I are all involved in Taekwondo. My oldest son, who is 17, is a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo, and I’m a few months away from earning my black belt. My other two boys play baseball and soccer.
Are you married? I’m married to my wonderful husband, Corey
Pets? We have a black lab mix named Sugar.
🚨 Junior Lifeguard Registration Ends June 18th! 🚨
Spots are LIMITED, so don’t wait to sign up! 🌊☀️
📅 Program Dates: June 22-26
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
👥 Ages: 11–16
Participants will learn:
🏊 Lifeguarding skills
⛑️ First Aid basics
❤️ CPR training
💼 Basic work skills
🌟 Leadership development
⚠️ Please note: This program does NOT include any certifications or certificates.
Secure your spot before registration closes on June 18th!
Name: P.O. Zach Yawitz #250
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I grew up in the west St. Louis County area and I graduated from Lafayette High School in 2005.
Did you serve in the military? If so, what branch and what was your occupation? Did you deploy? I served four years active duty in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman and spent 13 and half months deployed in Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? I had a laundry list of occupations I held prior to law enforcement such as the military, lawncare, commercial concrete laborer, and taxidermist.
What academy did you go to? Eastern Missouri Police Academy.
When did you join Washington PD and why? I was hired by Washington PD in December 2017. I was already somewhat familiar with Washington because one of my childhood best friends grew up in the area. I was also drawn to the small-town atmosphere and the strong support the department receives from the community.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I’m currently assigned to the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer. As part of my assignment, I’m also a Field Training Officer who is responsible for training brand new or lateral transfer officers before they’re released to conduct solo patrol functions.
Additionally, I’m assigned to the department’s Honor Guard and I’m one of our firearm instructors.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? After serving in the military, I found that I gravitated more towards jobs with structure and comradery.
What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement? I wish more people understood that being a police officer is a profession like any other. It is how we earn a living, just as people do in every field of work, and at the end of the day, we are no different from anyone else trying to provide for ourselves and our families.
In most professions, it is uncommon to see people openly disrespected or mocked for their work. Unfortunately, that can sometimes be the experience for those of us in law enforcement. A little more understanding and mutual respect can go a long way on both sides.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife, our 7-month-old daughter, and our dog Kevin.
5/11: vehicle accident, Hwy A
mutual aid, Union
assist EMS, Macarthur St.
alarm, Brighton Ln.
5/13: alarm, W. 5th St.
mutual aid, Owensville
mutual aid, Boles
5/14: mutual aid, New Haven-Berger
alarm, Rabbit Trail Dr.
alarm, W. 12th St.
assist EMS, Rabbit Trail Dr.
5/15: wires, Lafayette St.
mutual aid, New Haven-Berger
alarm, Fiddlers Close Rd.
check area, E. 3rd St.
5/16: alarm, Pottery Rd.
assist EMS, Brookview Dr.
alarm, W. 10th St.
alarm, Hwy YY
5/17: vehicle accident, Hwy 100
wires, E. 3rd St.
5/18: tree on roadway, Old Hwy 100
tree on roadway, Hwy 100
tree on roadway, Longbranch Ln.
elevator rescue, E. 5th St.
tree on vehicle, E. 5th St.
5/19: alarm, Front St.
5/20: vehicle accident, Hwy A
wires, Bluff Rd.
5/21: mutual aid, Boles
vehicle accident, Hwy 100
5/23: vehicle accident, Hwy YY
Professional Volunteer Service since 1852 #wfd #volunteerfiredepartment #washmo
4/27: mutual aid, Boles
4/28: wires, Hwy YY
alarm, Hwy A
vehicle accident, High St.
tree on roadway, Southwinds Dr.
4/29: vehicle accident, Hwy 100
tree on roadway, Hwy KK
alarm, E. 5th St.
5/01: vehicle accident, Hwy 100
alarm, W. 5th St.
5/02: vehicle accident, Hwy 100
mutual aid, Union
alarm, High St.
5/03: check building, E. 5th St.
5/o4: alarm, Austin Dr.
vehicle accident, Hwy 47
exterior gas leak, W. Front St.
5/06: assist EMS, High St.
vehicle accident, Hwy 47
vehicle accident, Avantha Dr.
alarm, Wash. Heights Dr.
5/07: mutual aid, New Haven-Berger
vehicle accident, Hwy 100
wires, W. 2nd St.
5/09: check building, Madison Ave.
check area, E. 5th St.
vehicle accident, Hwy 47
Professional Volunteer Service since 1852 #wfd #volunteerfiredepartment #washmo
🎶 New Summer Concert Series Coming to Washington! 🎶
Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, and favorite picnic treats and join us for some great music under the summer sky!
🌟 June 3 | 6–8 PM
🎸 Diesel Island
📍 Main Stage Lawn at the Fairgrounds
These FREE family-friendly concerts are brought to you by the City of Washington Parks & Recreation Charitable Foundation and are a great way to spend a summer evening with friends, family, and neighbors.
Come relax, enjoy live music, and help us kick off this exciting new community tradition. We can't wait to see you there! 🎵☀️
Name: P.O. Ben Juergens #251
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from Ballwin, Missouri and I graduated from Marquette High School.
Did you serve in the military? If so, what branch and what was your occupation? Did you deploy? I served in the U.S. Army as a 19D Cavalry Scout assigned to a Light Armor Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition Platoon. I deployed to Afghanistan from 2006 to 2007 and to Iraq from 2007 to 2009.
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? In addition to my time in the military, I also worked at Lowes. After being honorably discharged from service and attending the police academy, I was Deputy Sheriff for the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office and a Patrol Officer for the Jackson Police Department.
What academy did you go to? I went to the Southeast Missouri State University Law Enforcement Academy.
When did you join Washington PD and why? I chose Washington PD because I wanted to move back to the St. Louis area to be closer to family.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? Currently, I’m a Patrol Officer assigned to our Patrol Division. As part of my current assignment, I’m also a Field Training Officer which means I train newly hired or lateral transfer officers prior to them being released to solo patrol operations.
In addition to that, I’m a defensive tactics instructor and a drone pilot.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I chose law enforcement because it seemed like an easy transition from a military career. Law enforcement mirrors the military in many ways, such as the comradery I experienced in my platoon. We're one big family here.
What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement and one thing you didn’t know until after you started? I wish the public understood the wide range of calls we handle during a shift. One moment, we may be investigating the death of a child, and the very next call could involve a couple arguing over what kind of pizza to order. No matter what we just experienced, we still have to move on to the next call for service and handle it professionally without letting what we just experienced interfere. A lot of times, we’re forced to bottle up our emotions and push them aside so we can continue doing the job as if nothing happened.
Prior to a career in law enforcement, I did not realize the full scope of the job. I thought it would be like what you see on TV, mostly traffic stops and chasing suspects. In reality, we are expected to know a wide range of laws, respond to mental health crises, assist with domestic situations, handle animal-related calls, and provide various civil services, all while often putting family life on the back burner to help someone having a difficult day. They also do not really prepare you for how to balance all of these responsibilities while maintaining healthy relationships at home.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work I do my best to disconnect and enjoy the simple and finer things life has to offer. I enjoy fishing, hunting, dog training, boating, camping, grilling, cooking and pretty much anything else to get away for a while.
Pets? I am the department’s cat dad. I have 3 cats... SpeedBump, Hobbes and Scout. I have a black lab named Nova, he is my favorite hunting companion.
Why We Serve
Name: P.O. Daniel Day #257
Where are you from? I’m originally from Hillsboro, Missouri, and grew up moving throughout several counties across the state.
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? Prior to working for Washington PD, I worked as a Security Officer at St. Anthony’s (Mercy South) Hospital.
What academy did you go to? Jefferson College Law Enforcement Academy.
When did you join Washington PD and why? 2018. I chose Washington PD because of its strong reputation for professionalism, service, and commitment to the community. I wanted to be part of a department that genuinely values protecting and serving its citizens while building trust with the community.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I’m currently assigned to our Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer were I also serve as a Field Training Officer. In addition to that, I’m also a certified Firearms and Less Lethal Munitions Instructor for the department.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I chose a career in law enforcement because I wanted the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether someone is experiencing one of the best days or one of the hardest moments of their life, I believe officers have the ability to provide support, guidance, and reassurance while positively impacting the community we serve.
What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement and one thing you didn’t know until after you started? I wish the public knew that most officers genuinely care about the people and communities they serve and strive every day to make a positive impact.
One thing I didn’t fully realize before starting this career is how important communication, patience, and empathy are in building trust and helping people through difficult situations.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, and taking part in just about any outdoor activity. Being outdoors is a great way for me to relax, recharge, and spend time with family and friends.
Day Shift Summary 05/25/2026
Found property turned in that was located at West 6th Street and Stafford Street.
Peace disturbance in the 900 block of East 5th Street. Subjects causing the disturbance left.
Solicitor contacted on Oxford Drive. Subject was advised to contact City Hall for a solicitors permit.
Peace disturbance reported in the 1300 block of Stafford Street. Subject agreed to keep it down.
Subject was stopped for a traffic offense on Highway 47 near Blue Jay Drive. Subject was found to have outstanding warrants and was arrested.
The City of Washington, in partnership with Paint Busters, will host a Community Paint Recycling Event on Saturday, May 30 from 9 AM–12 PM at the Washington Fairgrounds Swine Pavilion (11 Fairgrounds Street).
Accepted items include latex paint, water-based stains, and primers for $1 per pound. All containers must be sealed and labeled.
Questions? Contact Paint Busters at 314-916-4777 or the City of Washington at 636-390-1032.
Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation with a long history of patriotism, courage, and honor. Through their sacrifice, generations of Americans have been protected and continue to live free, safeguarded by those who stood ready to defend our nation and its ideals.
While today is often spent with family, friends, and celebration, it is also a time to pause and reflect on those who never made it home. As General George S. Patton once said, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” Their lives were defined by service, selflessness, and a willingness shared by both male and female service members to place duty above themselves.
Our flag does not fly simply because the wind moves it. It flies as a lasting reminder of the sacrifice made by the men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion in its defense. Their sacrifice stands as the ultimate act of love for their country, their families, and their fellow service members.
Day Shift Summary 05/23/26
Officers responded to the 1900 block of Mike Alan Dr. to assist EMS.
Officers responded to the 4100 block of Jane Ln. to assist the resident with a medical issue.
Officers responded to Highway 100 and Highway 47 to assist a motorist.
Officers responded to the 300 block of Burnside St. for a dog running at large.
Officers responded to the 800 block of Locust St. to meet with a subject who had legal questions.
Motor vehicle accident Hwy 47 and Hwy 100.
A suspicious person was reported in the 800 block of Missouri Ave.
Motor vehicle accident Steutermann Rd and Valley Dr.
A peace disturbance was reported in the 500 block of E. 6th St.
A private property traffic crash occurred in the area of E. 5th and Willows Ct.
A parking violation was reported in the 200 block of Elm St.
A subject was arrested in the Washington Crossing shopping center for a stealing report taken earlier in the week.
A suspicious vehicle was reported in the area of E 6th and Hancock.
A peace disturbance was reported in the area of the All Abilities park.
All subjects arrested are innocent until proven guilty.
The City of Washington Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that the Agnes Nolting Aquatic Complex is officially OPEN for the season! 🏊♀️
Come cool off and enjoy all the fun from 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM daily, including:
💦 Aquatic Playground for Toddlers
💦 Splash Pad
💦 Flume Slides
💦 Aquatic Climbing Wall
💦 Diving Boards
💦 Basketball Hoop
💦 Cascade Wall
💦 6-Lane, 25-yard Competitive Pool
💦 Tanning Shelf
Whether you're looking to relax, play, or get active, there’s something for everyone!
👉 Visit our website to learn more about pool passes, upcoming events, special swim times for seniors and toddlers, and party rentals.
Grab your sunscreen and join us for a fun-filled season at the pool! 😎💙
The City of Washington is accepting applications for our next City Administrator.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a financially strong, growing community with major investments in infrastructure, parks, and public safety already underway. Washington is a place where good leadership is noticed — and where your work will have a lasting impact.
Starting Salary: $123,232 – $141,814 DOQ | Apply by May 26, 2026
📧apply@thequalitycoach.com
Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share this post and help us find Washington's next great leader.
View the full recruitment profile: https://aptg.co/cZM9pv
Learn more at washmo.gov
🚛 Trash service will run one day later than usual all week:
Monday → Tuesday
Tuesday → Wednesday
Wednesday → Thursday
Thursday → Friday
Friday → Saturday
Please remember to place your cart out on your adjusted collection day. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!
https://www.washmolib.org/o/wpl/article/2836971
🚧FRONT STREET CONSTRUCTION UPDATE 🚧
Front Street, from west of Cedar Street to east of Olive Street, will be closed over the weekend. Sidewalks will remain open for pedestrians.
Work on Front Street will resume Monday, at which time Front Street will remain closed from west of Cedar Street to east of Olive Street.
Night Shift Summary. 5/21/26:
Hazards were reported in the area of Elbert Dr.
A parking complaint was reported in the area of E. 8th St. and Sunnyside Dr.
A parking complaint was reported in the 800 block of Missouri Ave.
A suspicious vehicle was reported in the 800 block of Madison Ave.
A peace disturbance was reported in the 300 block of Stafford St.
Fraud was reported in the 700 block of Fremont St.
Suspicious activity was reported in the 5800 block of Hwy 100.
A peace disturbance was reported in the 700 block of Horn St.
Suspicious activity was reported in the area of Village West Ct.
Assisted FCSD in the 900 block of E. 5th St.
A peace disturbance was reported in the 500 block of W. 5th St.
A peace disturbance was reported in the 900 block of E. 1st St.
Officers responded to an alarm sounding in the area of Washington Square
Name: Det. Charlie Scheer #258
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I grew up in the Franklin County area and graduated from Union High School in 2007.
Did you serve in the military? If so, what branch and what was your occupation? Did you deploy? I joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 2007 and served as a Military Police Officer until I was honorably discharged. In 2009, I deployed to Basra, Iraq, where our mission was to train and advise the Iraqi Police Force and provide security transports for U.S. personnel.
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? Aside from my time in the Army, I worked at Oasis Lanes and Central Automotive Electric. After graduating from the police academy, I worked for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Wellsville Police Department.
What academy did you go to? Eastern Missouri Police Academy.
When did you join Washington PD and why? I joined Washington PD in 2018 when my wife and I decided to move back to the Franklin County area to be closer to family. With both of us working 12-hour rotating shifts and a growing family, it was important to be near support while raising our child.
I chose Washington PD because it offers opportunities for career advancement and specialty training while still maintaining a close-knit environment where everyone knows each other. It’s also a place I saw myself retiring from. I was also drawn to the community itself, including the retail areas, downtown, local festivals, and the riverfront. Each year, I look forward to working the Town and Country Fair.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I started as a Patrol Officer in the Patrol Division and also served as a Field Training Officer, where I trained and mentored new and lateral officers before they were released to solo patrol. I later transferred to the Detective Division, where I currently serve as a member of the St. Louis Major Case Squad and the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
I also serve as an evidence custodian, responsible for intake, documentation, storage, and transporting evidence for laboratory analysis. In addition, I am a certified drone pilot, Taser Instructor, and a member of the department Honor Guard.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? Law Enforcement is part of my family. My uncle retired from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and my father was a Reserve Deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s in the late 80’s. My grandfathers were also were in the military.
When I was a child, I witnessed domestic violence, theft, and the effects of drug usage. I wanted to be able to provide people in those situations with someone they could turn to, to find justice. I believe criminals need to be held accountable for their actions.
What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement and one thing you didn’t know until after you started? I hope people understand that most law enforcement officers choose this profession because they care about others and the communities they serve. Every day, news and social media often focus on split-second decisions made by officers, sometimes without the full context of the situation. The majority of law enforcement officers are good people who work hard to serve others. Like any profession, there are a small number of individuals who should not be wearing the badge. Please do not judge all officers based on the actions or decisions of a few.
One thing I didn’t know about law enforcement until after I started was how much work a criminal will do to commit a crime and then when they are caught, they will complain and pass the blame onto another person or law enforcement officers.
What do you enjoy outside of work? A lifelong hobby of mine is fishing and spending time on the water. My family and I also travel in our motorhome and go camping several times a year, including trips to the mountains.
As my family has grown, I spend a lot of time attending my kids’ sports practices and games. I also enjoy coaching them in baseball, even though I didn’t play growing up, and I wish I had.
Are you married? Kids? Yes, my wife and I just had our 13-year wedding anniversary. We have been together for about 18 years. We have 3 wonderful children together, ages 9, 7 and 6. They keep us very busy.
Pets? We do have a few pets; Wilma a 2 1/2-year-old standard poodle, Millee a 13-year-old miniature Dachshund, 3 cats, about 25 chickens and 2 turkeys.
