City of Washington - Information and news updates from the City of Washington, Missouri government.

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

Why We Serve

Name: P.O. Nolan Crawford #264

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from Sullivan, Missouri and attended Sullivan High School.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? Prior to becoming a Police Officer, I was a career Firefighter for 13 years with the Sullivan Fire Protection District. I was also a part-time EMT with the Gerald Ambulance District.

What academy did you go to? I attended and graduated from the Eastern Missouri Police Academy in 2019.

When did you join Washington PD and why? I joined in 2019 because my wife grew up in Washington and we moved here after getting married. The department has a great reputation and the community is very supportive of police.

What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I’m currently assigned as a Patrol Officer in our Patrol Division. Not only am I a Patrol Officer, I’m also a Field Training Officer which means I train newly hired or later transfer officers before they’re released to solo patrol functions.

I started out in the Patrol Division when I was hired and for a brief time, I transferred to the department’s S.R.O. / D.A.R.E. Unit as a School Resource Officer for the School District of Washington and was assigned to the Washington Middle School. I also taught D.A.R.E. at several area schools.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I chose to be a police officer because I spent a lot of time in emergency services and saw the increasing need for good, quality police officers.

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 people knew that law enforcement officers are normal, everyday people with the same human reactions and emotions just like everyone else in society. We’re not robots and shouldn’t be expected to act like one.

One thing I didn’t fully understand until I started working in law enforcement is that not everyone who is arrested remains in custody until bail is posted or they appear in court.

When someone is arrested, an incident report is prepared. Depending on the circumstances, we may contact the prosecutor’s office to determine whether they want to submit a warrant request to a judge so the accused can be held in custody until bail, if granted, is posted or until they appear in court.

If someone commits a serious felony, poses a danger to the community or the victim, or is considered a flight risk, the prosecutor is more likely to request that a judge sign an arrest warrant and set an appropriate bail amount.

If the criteria for an in-custody warrant are not met, the accused is typically released pending review of the incident report. After reviewing the case, the prosecutor may issue a summons requiring the person to appear in court or decide to seek a warrant at that time.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Spending time with my family.

Are you married? Kids? I’m married and have 4 kids.

Pets? We have a dog named Miley.

Night Shift Summary. Date:05-19-2026

Homeless activity at the library.

A trespassing was reported near A Roy drive.

A fraud report was taken in the area of Brookfield drive.

A suspicious person was reported in the area of Washington Corners.

Why We Serve

Name: Sgt. Matt Cooper #266

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from the Union Missouri area and went to Union High School.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? I worked as a painter and for the City of Union Water Department. Prior to working for Washington PD, I was a Deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned as a Patrol Deputy and as a Detention Deputy.

What academy did you go to? Missouri Sheriff’s Association Training Academy.

When did you join Washington PD and why? 2020. At the time, I was ready for a change in my career. I really appreciated the small-town feel of Washington and how supportive the community is of the department and the officers who work here.

What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I currently serve as a Sergeant in our Patrol Division, where I previously served as a Patrol Officer and Corporal. I am also a Field Training Officer and help train new and lateral transfer officers before they are released to solo patrol operations. In addition, I serve as the Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator for our department and I am a member of our Peer Support Team.

Between my time as a Patrol Officer and Corporal, I transferred from patrol to our department’s S.R.O./D.A.R.E. Unit as a School Resource Officer for the School District of Washington, where I was assigned to Washington Middle School.

My specialized training includes Hostage Negotiator, Defensive Tactics Instructor, TASER Instructor, School Resource Officer, and D.A.R.E. Instructor.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I knew I wanted a career where I could help people and make a difference. I also get car sick really easily, so Paramedic and Firefighter were probably not the best fit for me. Once I found the academy in Union, I never looked back. It has honestly been the best job I’ve ever had.

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 truly understood how much time officers sacrifice away from their own families. Yes, we knew what we were signing up for when we chose this profession, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy missing holidays, birthdays, and important moments sometimes.

I also wish people understood that officers are human too. We have emotions and feelings just like everyone else. Most of the time, we meet people on some of the worst days of their lives and carrying that can get heavy at times.

One thing nobody warns you about is the amount of paperwork involved in this job. The required paperwork is absolutely wild.

We are very fortunate here in Washington because the citizens are generally amazing and very supportive. Even a simple “thank you” from someone in the community can completely make our day.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of law enforcement, I enjoy spending time with my family. We like taking the Polaris Ranger out, golfing (even though I’m terrible at it), kayaking, and relaxing on the river. Honestly, anything involving family time is what I enjoy most. Oh, can’t forget the beach, I love being on the beach.

Are you married? Kids? Yes. My wife Jamie and I have five children between the two of us, ranging in age from 7 years old up to 22 years old.

Pets? We have two dogs — a Giant Schnauzer and a Miniature Schnauzer.

Night Shift Summary. Date:05-18-2026

A female subject was transported to the hospital to seek help for some mental health struggles.

A wedding ring was found in the area of Washington Crossing.

A male subject was arrested for DWI in the area of 14th Street.

Arrests do not imply guilt.

Happy EMS Week to the Washington Area Ambulance District!

We appreciate everything you do for our community day in and day out, call after call. You respond with professionalism, skill, and a calm presence in the middle of some of the most stressful situations people experience.

We're grateful for the teamwork and partnership we share on scene. From medical calls to traffic crashes and everything in between, you are a critical part of keeping Washington safe.

Thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and the difference you make every day.



Thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and the difference you make every day. Happy EMS Week!

Night Shift Summary. 5/17/26:

Report of shots fired in the 900 block of W. 5th St.

A dog was picked up in the 500 block of E. 5th St.

Suspicious activity was reported in the 1700 block of Madison Ave.

Check the well-being was conducted in the 1300 block of Stafford St.

A male was arrested in the area of the riverfront for disorderly conduct.

A suspicious person was reported in the 300 block of E. 5th St.

A subject reported lost dogs in the 2500 block of E. 5th St.

ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT

Night Shift Summary. 5/16/26:

Check the well-being in the 100 block of W. Main St.

A domestic disturbance was reported in the 700 block of Rainbow Dr. A male was arrested on a fugitive warrant during the investigation.

A peace disturbance was reported in the 500 block of E. 8th St.

ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT

Night Shift Summary. 5/15/26:

Check the well-being in the area of Washington Crossing.

A male was arrested on a fugitive warrant in the area of Phoenix Center Dr.

Assisted EMS in the 700 block of Fremont St.

Check the well-being in the 300 block of Stafford St.

Check the well-being in the area of the Washington Bridge.

A suspicious vehicle was reported in the 2300 block of Brookview Dr.

A domestic disturbance was reported in the 400 block of E. 4th St.

Check the well-being in the 2500 block of Rabbit Trail Dr.

ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT

Day Shift Summary 05/17/2026

Derelict vehicle was tagged in the 1900 block of Mike Alan Drive.

Subject was contacted on Phoenix Center Drive. It was determined the subject was having a mental health crisis. Subject was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Found key fob was turned in that had been located on South Point Road.

Wallet was turned in that was located on Elbert Drive. Owner was contacted.

Hazards were removed from the roadway on Highway 47 at Highway 100.

Assisted EMS in the 600 block of East 8th Street. Subject was left in care of EMS.

Debit card that had been turned in from the 1300 block of Jefferson Street was returned to the owner.

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

Day Shift Summary 05/16/26

Assisted EMS in the 2000 block of Brookview Drive. Subject was transported by EMS.

Parking violation in the area of West Main Street and Cedar Street.

Suspicious person in the area Recreation Drive. Subject was contacted and given a trespass warning for the property.

Non-injury private property crash on Washington Square.

Parking violation in the 300 block of West Main Street. Vehicle had broken down and was towed by the owner.

Subject was stopped for a traffic violation on East 5th Street near Penn Street. Subject was found to have an outstanding warrant and was arrested.

Found property turned in that was located in the area of Jefferson Street and East 14th Street. Owner was contacted.

Parking violation in the 200 block of East 4th Street. Vehicle was moved.

Why We Serve

Name: SRO Wyatt Loague #268

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from the Owensville, Missouri area. I spent several years in Minnesota and Wisconsin and then returned to Owensville. I graduated from Owensville High School in 2013.

Were you in the military? What branch and what was your assignment? I was an Infantryman in the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska and later Louisiana.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? I enlisted in the Army straight out of high school. After getting honorably discharged and attending the Police Academy, I worked at the Festus Police Department for a few years.

What academy did you go to? Eastern Missouri Police Academy.

When did you join Washington PD and why? 2021. I wanted to be closer to home and I had heard good things about the department.

What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? Currently, I’m assigned to the S.R.O./D.A.R.E. Unit as a School Resource Officer. I serve as the SRO for all parochial schools within the City of Washington and am responsible for teaching D.A.R.E. at our parochial elementary schools.

Previously, I was assigned to our Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer. When school is out of session, I go back to patrol to help supplement manpower.

I’m certified as a Field Training Officer, Stop the Bleed Instructor, D.A.R.E. Instructor, and as a School Safety Coordinator.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? Partly because of my family’s history. My grandfather, Gary Toelke, served as the Sheriff of Franklin County for many years, my mother served as an EMT and nurse, my uncle was a Sheriff’s Deputy, and I even married into a law enforcement family; the Neace’s (Retired Capt. Rick Neace of the Union Police Department and Chief Chris Neace of the New Haven Police Department).

The second part may sound cheesy, but I’ve also always found myself naturally protective of others and willing to help.

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 fully understood a couple of things.

1. If a scandal involving police happens somewhere, remember that we are not all the same. No one hates bad officers more than good officers!

2. Movies and TV shows are not real and exaggerate things for entertainment, so understand that shows like CSI and The Rookie are not how real law enforcement works.

Something I didn’t know about until after I became an Officer was how my future goals would change constantly and that finding a role as an SRO feels exactly where I need to be

What do you enjoy outside of work? I coach Baseball at Borgia High during the spring, weightlifting, playing videogames, playing tabletop games, and spending a lot of time with my kids.

Are you married? Kids? I have been married to my wife Meghan for almost 11 years, and we have three amazing kids, my eldest is the only boy Ethan, who loves history. The middle child is Emily who is my dare devil. Finally, we Had Elsie, who has Down Syndrome and is full of laughs, full of joy, and can make anyone smile.

Pets? I have a dog named Titan who is a mixed breed of some kind of cattle dog, as well as two cats, Ally and Suma.

🚨 FRIDAY FRAUD FACTS 🚨

It is not just us saying it!!!  The FBI just released their annual Internet Crime Report.  The financial loss for Americans due to fraud and scams in 2025 was staggering.  Please do everything you can to protect yourself from scams.  As this report shows, billions of dollars were stolen from Americans by scammers in 2025.  The following is directly from the FBI report:

Cryptocurrency and AI Scams Bilk Americans of Billions

FBI releases annual internet crime complaint report

The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report shows cyber-enabled crimes defrauded Americans of nearly $21 billion, with cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence-related complaints among the costliest.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 1,008,597 total complaints, an increase from 859,532 in 2024. Phishing/spoofing, extortion, and investment schemes were the most frequently reported complaints. Americans over 60 reported approximately $7.7 billion in losses, up 37% from 2024.

The IC3 received approximately 453,000 cyber-enabled fraud complaints, with reported losses exceeding $17.7 billion. Investment fraud remains the primary driver, accounting for nearly 49% of all scam-related losses.

Americans who submitted complaints involving cryptocurrency reported the highest losses, with 181,565 complaints totaling more than $11 billion. In 2024, the FBI launched Operation Level Up, a proactive initiative to identify and notify people who are currently falling victim to cryptocurrency investment fraud. Since its inception, the initiative has surpassed 8,000 total victims notified and reduced losses by more than $500 million. In 2026, the FBI launched Operation Winter SHIELD, highlighting concrete steps organizations can take to bolster their digital security.

Costly tactics used by scammers also include compromised corporate e-mails, tech support fraud, and personal data breaches. For the first time in its nearly 25-year history, the IC3 report features a section on artificial intelligence, which accounts for 22,364 complaints, costing Americans nearly $893 million. Scammers rely on pressure techniques to defraud Americans while deploying fake social profiles, voice clones, identification documents, and believable videos depicting public figures or loved ones.

The FBI urges everyone to “Take a Beat” to identify the red flags of a potential scam. Resist pressure to act quickly and assess the situation before turning over money or personal information.

IC3 receives nearly 3,000 complaints per day. If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of a fraud or scam, contact your local FBI office or submit a complaint at ic3.gov as soon as possible. You should document the name of the scammer/company, methods of contact, dates of contact, methods of payment, where funds have been sent, and a thorough description of the interactions.