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

Why We Serve

Name: SRO Greg Garrett #263

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I grew up in Augusta, Missouri, and graduated from Washington High School in 1998.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement? I worked at Mt. Pleasant Winery in several different roles.

What training academy did you attend and what public safety experience did you have? After graduating high school, I joined Washington PD as an Animal Control/Code Enforcement Officer. I later attended and graduated from the Eastern Missouri Police Academy. After graduating, I returned to Washington PD as a Reserve Police Officer and briefly resumed my duties as a civilian employee.

Shortly afterward, I accepted a full-time Patrol Officer position with the Hermann Police Department. For a short time, I also worked part-time with the Augusta Police Department.

When did you join Washington PD and why? I returned to Washington PD in 2002 as a Patrol Officer. Working for Washington had been a long-term goal since joining the department in 1994 as an Explorer with the Law Enforcement Exploring Program.

What is your current role within the department, and do you have any specialized training or assignments? When I returned in 2002, I started in the Patrol Division, serving as a Patrol Officer and later as a Field Training Officer. During those early years, I also worked as a bike officer, patrolling special events, downtown areas, and shopping centers on a mountain bike.

After several years in patrol, I transferred to the Traffic Safety Unit, where I handled traffic enforcement and crash investigations. During that assignment, I became a certified RADAR/LIDAR instructor and earned the title of Master Patrolman, a position similar to today’s Corporal rank. I held that title until it was eliminated during a departmental restructuring process.

I later returned to patrol before transferring to my current position in the department’s D.A.R.E./SRO Unit. I am currently assigned to the School District of Washington as the SRO for Washington High School. As part of that assignment, I taught D.A.R.E. to fifth-grade students at Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Francis Borgia, and South Point Elementary Schools. When school is out of session, I return to patrol or traffic safety depending on department needs and staffing levels.

In addition to my primary assignment, I’m a Drug Recognition Expert and serve on the department’s Honor Guard and Peer Support Teams. I also spent many years as an Assistant Advisor for the department’s Law Enforcement Exploring Program.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I chose law enforcement because it was something I wanted to do from an early age. My dad was a career police officer with the City of Florissant, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Although he tried many times to talk me out of it, he stopped once I told him I had been accepted into the police academy.

I also credit the officers at Washington PD during my time as an Explorer and civilian employee. They were outstanding role models, and I was fortunate to later work alongside several of them, including two who became my training officers and continued mentoring me long after I was released to solo patrol. Those experiences, along with my father’s example, helped shape how I view this profession and the responsibility that comes with it.

What’s one thing you wish the public understood about law enforcement, and one thing you didn’t know until after you started? I wish the public understood the cumulative impact of stress in this profession. Throughout a career (20-30 years), officers are exposed to higher rates of critical and traumatic incidents as compared to citizens while also managing the daily demands of the job and personal life. People sometimes forget that while we are dealing with everyone else’s problems, we still have to manage our own.

Over time, that can contribute to burnout, anxiety, depression, acute stress reactions, and hypervigilance. Despite our training and responsibilities, officers are still human and experience the same emotional and psychological challenges as anyone else. Peer support, counseling, and healthy off-duty activities can help keep those stressors in check.

That was something I did not fully understand before starting, and it was not discussed much in the academy at the time. Looking back, I better understand the concerns my father had about me entering law enforcement. I would still choose this career, but there are things I would have approached differently over the past 25 years.

What do you enjoy outside of work? I enjoy road trips, good BBQ, learning about history, target shooting, and hiking. Most of my free time is spent with my 5-year-old and 9-year-old.

Pets? I have a Black Lab named Finley and a Beaski named Dallas.

Why We Serve

Name: Sgt. Doug Tollison #285

Where are you from? California.

What academy did you go to? I attended the academy in California.

Do you have any prior Public Safety Experience? After moving to Missouri, I worked for the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff before coming to Washington PD.

When did you join Washington PD and why? 2005. I was living in the area and heard good things about the city and the department.

What is your current role within the department, and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I started out in the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer where I eventually became a Field Training Officer and a Drug Recognition Expert.

After few years in patrol, I transferred over to the department’s S.R.O./D.A.R.E. Unit and was assigned to the School District of Washington as a School Resource Officer at Washington High School. While at WHS, I also volunteered my time as a coach for the school’s baseball team. As part of my duties, I taught 5th grade D.A.R.E. at several area schools.

I eventually made the decision to transfer back to patrol where I’m currently assigned as a Sergeant, and I oversee one of our patrol squads. I’m also responsible for implementing & supervising our department’s Field Training Program.

Aside from my duties as a supervisor, I’m responsible for the monthly maintenance on our breath testing instruments and I’m a Standardized Field Sobriety Instructor.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I met a police officer when I was 16 years old when my family needed law enforcement assistance. That police officer remained a good friend of the family for many years and the way he performed his job helped me make my decision of what I wanted to do.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Running and working out.

Night Shift Summary. 6/3/26:

A suspicious vehicle was reported in the 4700 block of South Point Rd.

Illegal burn was reported in the 700 block of W. 5th St.

A peace disturbance was reported in the 400 block of Stafford St.

Why We Serve

Name: Cpl. Mindy Schmelz #292

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from Hermann, Missouri and I graduated from Hermann High School in 2003.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? Prior to working in law enforcement, I was a full-time student at Missouri State University and worked several different jobs, including serving at multiple restaurants, working security at Worlds of Fun, and serving as an EMT with the Hermann Area Ambulance District on weekends when I came home from school.

While in high school, I was also an Explorer with the Law Enforcement Explorer Post at Hermann PD.

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

When did you join Washington PD and why? 2008. My Explorer advisor at Hermann PD, SRO Greg Garrett, had transferred to Washington PD a few years earlier. While I was attending the academy, he contacted me to let me know his department had an opening and encouraged me to apply.

What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I started as a Patrol Officer with the department’s Patrol Division and after a few years, I transferred into the department’s D.A.R.E. / S.R.O. Unit where I was assigned to the School District of Washington as a School Resource Officer for the Washington Middle School. During my time as an SRO, I also taught D.A.R.E. at several area schools.

I eventually transferred back to the Patrol Division and I was recently promoted to the rank of Corporal. Currently, I serve as the supervisor when the on-duty Sergeant for Squads 3 & 4 isn’t working.

In addition to my primary assignment, I’m a certified Drone Pilot, RADAR/LIDAR Instructor, and a Field Training Officer. The extra assignment that I enjoy the most is being the lead advisor for our department’s Law Enforcement Exploring Post and being able to work with our area youth who have an interest in pursuing a future career in law enforcement.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? When I was younger, I watched TV shows that made law enforcement look exciting and sparked my interest in the profession. In high school, I became a Police Explorer and gained a much better understanding of what the job truly involved. Through my interactions with the officers at Hermann PD and participating in training scenarios, I realized I had the opportunity to put myself in a position where I could make a positive impact on the community I served and help make it a safer place for everyone.

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 would understand that under this uniform, we are regular people. We have families and lives outside of this job. I also wish they would understand that there are parts of this job that are ugly, so when they ask us what is the worst thing you have ever seen, there is a good chance we are not going to answer it because we don't want you to have the images in your head that we have learned to live with.

One thing I didn't know about this job before starting it is that there is an obscene amount of paperwork involved in everything we do.

What do you enjoy outside of work? I used to really enjoy running and playing sports in general, but two ACL reconstructions as an adult have limited my ability to stay as active as I once was. In my free time, I enjoy making diamond art paintings and also try to maintain a more homesteading lifestyle through gardening and canning. For about 10 months out of the year, most of my time outside of work is spent transporting the kids to and from soccer practices, games, and other school or social activities.

Are you married? Kids? My husband and I have been together for 18 years and married for almost 17. We have 2 sons, aged 15 and 13.

Pets? We have a treeing walker coonhound named Kita and a mixed breed pittie named Jessica (our son refused to change her name when she was adopted)

Night Shift Summary. 06/01/26

A subject was arrested for stealing from motor vehicles in the area of Phoenix Center Park.

A check the well being was conducted in the 1300 block of High St.

A property damage report was taken in the Washington Crossing parking lot.

A subject called and had child custody questions.

A trespassing and peace disturbance were reported in the area of 5th and Elm.

A peace disturbance was reported in the 200 block of Jefferson St.

A check the well being was conducted in the 500 block of Wiindy Hills.

A suspicious person was reported near Eckelkamp Ct.

All subjects arrested are innocent until proven guilty.

Why We Serve

Name: Sgt. Casey Hill #298

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from Washington, Missouri and I graduated from Washington High School in 2001.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? Prior to law enforcement, I worked at several area businesses.

After graduating from the academy, I started out as a Reserve Deputy for the Maries County Sheriff’s Office. I spent a short amount of time there and transferred to the Sullivan Police Department as a full-time officer.

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

When did you join Washington PD and why? 2010. I moved from Sullivan PD to Washington PD because this is where I’m from and I wanted to work closer to home.

What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I started out in the department’s Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer and I eventually transferred to our S.R.O. / D.A.R.E. Unit as a School Resource Officer assigned to the School District of Washington for the Washington Middle School. As part of my assignment, I handled a school safety for the district in partnership with the district office and I also taught D.A.R.E. at several area schools.

After spending a few years as an SRO, I transferred back to the Patrol Division and I was eventually promoted to my current rank of Sergeant.

In addition to my current duties, I serve as a Firearms and Less Lethal Munitions Instructor, a Taser Instructor, and a Crash Reconstructionist. I also provide training to department personnel on response protocols for active intruder incidents and work closely with area schools and businesses to help develop effective response plans for such situations.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I had a family member who was in law enforcement at the time. I did a ride-a-long, thought it was an interesting career, and I signed up for the academy a year later.

What do you enjoy outside of work? When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, floating, and camping. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Are you married? Kids? I’m married to my wonderful wife, Joanna. Together we have two kids, Eli and Eden.

Pets? We have two dogs, Cooper and Cole.

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! 🎵☀️

Why We Serve

Name: Sgt. Mike Grissom #299.

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I grew up in Washington, Missouri and graduated from Washington High School in 2005.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement? I had several minor part-time jobs prior to getting into law enforcement.

What training academy did you go to and do you have public safety experience? I attended the Missouri Sheriff’s Training Academy and I briefly worked for the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy before coming to Washington PD.

When did you join Washington PD and why? I joined in 2010 and chose WPD because this is my hometown.

What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I started in the department’s Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer before transferring to the Traffic Safety Unit. After several years in that assignment, I returned to Patrol, where I was later promoted to my current rank of Sergeant.

I currently supervise the S.R.O./D.A.R.E. Unit and Traffic Safety. I work closely with area schools to help implement best practices for school safety and assist in training officers in active intruder response tactics. I’m the department liaison on the City of Washington Traffic Committee and I handle traffic safety grant writing for the department. I also handle Code Enforcement duties within the city.

In addition to my regular duties, I’m a certified Field Training Officer, Crash Reconstructionist, Drone Pilot, Stop Stick Instructor, and Stop the Bleed Instructor.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I chose law enforcement for the challenge. I enjoy that this job is unpredictable, and even after years of experience, you’re still challenged with new things on a regular basis.

What’s one thing you wish the public knew about law enforcement and one thing you didn’t know until after you started? I wish the public understood that law enforcement is nothing like what you see on television. That is also something I didn’t know prior to starting my career.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work, I value time with my wife, our three sons, and our Yellow Lab, Gus.

USDA Summer Food Service @ the Library Starts Monday, June 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

After summer school ends, the library will partner with the "Foundation for Strengthening Families" as a host site for the USDA Summer Food Service. This service is for families with children ages 1-18.

Program Basics:
Pickup Food @ Washington Public Library between 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Food Service begins Monday, June 29 and runs on Mondays until public school starts.
Includes 7 Days of Breakfast & Lunch.
Includes FRESH Fruits, Vegetables & Dairy!
At pickup, children’s names and ages are required.
No Registration.

Why We Serve

Name: Lt. Joe Renkemeyer #230

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I grew up in Dutzow, Missouri and graduated from St. Francis Borgia High School. I now reside in the Krakow, Missouri area.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? I owned and operated Pepple Creek Nursery, a garden center and landscaping business near Wentzville, Missouri. No, I don't have any prior public safety experience.

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

When did you join Washington PD and why? 2011. Although I’ve lived on the outskirts my entire life, Washington has always been considered my hometown. It’s where my family shops, spends time together, attends school, and enjoys entertainment. When I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, there was no other place I’d rather serve.

What is your current role within the department, and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I began my career as a Patrol Officer in the department’s Patrol Division and have since advanced through the ranks from Officer to Sergeant and now Lieutenant. I also serve as one of the department’s Taser and defensive tactics instructors.

Currently, I serve as the Commander of Uniformed Operations, overseeing two patrol platoons, each consisting of two squads made up of one Sergeant and three officers, along with two overlay shift Corporals. I also supervise the S.R.O./D.A.R.E. Unit, which consists of one Sergeant and four officers, as well as Traffic Safety and Code Enforcement. In addition, I oversee the department’s Field Training Program and Peer Support Team.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? After selling the nursery later in my adult life, I began searching for a challenging career that offered something different each day while also providing a sense of pride and accomplishment. Law enforcement fit those goals perfectly, and I decided to pursue it.

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 had a better understanding of the many roles our officers are expected to fill. On any given day, and often multiple times throughout the day, we serve as administrators, educators, mediators, investigators, community relations specialists, negotiators, medical responders, journalists, tactical responders, and counselors. While fulfilling all these responsibilities, we are also tasked with enforcing the ordinances of Washington and the laws of Missouri.

One thing I didn’t realize before becoming an officer is how supportive most people are of law enforcement. While a small minority may always hold negative views, and they sometimes have the loudest voices, most people show strong support, especially here in Washington.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy running a small hobby farm. My family raises a few cattle and hogs each year, we have laying hens, and we bale hay. It certainly keeps us busy. I also enjoy hunting and fishing, and of course, spending time with my family. We have four dogs—Milo, Bailey, Bella, and Coco—so it can be quite the zoo at the Renkemeyer household.

Night Shift Summary 05/31/26

A male was arrested for assault in the area of Washington Crossing.

A peace disturbance was reported in the 600 block of W. 5th St.

Assisted MSHP with a DWI investigation at Police HQ.

A crisis intervention report was completed in the 700 block of Locust St.

ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT

Night Shift Summary 05/30/26

Assisted EMS with a sick case in the area of Washington Crossing.

Assisted FCSD with a DWI investigation in the 900 block of E. 5th St.

A male was arrested for disorderly conduct and property damage in the 1300 block of Jefferson St.

A peace disturbance was reported in the 1700 block of Melanie Ln.

Assisted EMS with a sick case in the 700 block of Ridgeview Dr.

ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT

Day Shift Summary 05/31/2026

Alarm in the 800 block of Terry Lane. Accidental.

Suspicious person was reported on Highway 47 near Heritage Hills Drive. Subject was contacted and was found to be under the influence. Subject was found to have illegal substances on their person and was arrested.

Assisted EMS in the 1700 block of Sunnydale Drive. Subject was transported by EMS.

Responded for a request to keep the peace while a subject moved items out of a residence in the 900 block of West 5th Street.

Subject called with questions regarding child custody.

Day Shift Summary 05/30/26

Non-injury vehicle three vehicle crash on Highway 100 at East 5th Street.

Report of a dog in a vehicle in the 200 block Elm Street. Owner was in the vehicle with the dog and the dog was healthy.

Assisted EMS in the 600 block of Washington Avenue. Subject was transported by EMS.

Assault reported that occurred overnight in the 200 block of Elm Street.

Subject was stopped for a traffic violation in Washington Square. Subject was found to have an outstanding warrant and was arrested.

Assisted a motorist in the area of Highway 100 and Bluff Road.

Non-injury private property crash in the 1900 block of East 5th Street.