This honor reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a healthy urban forest and investing in a greener, more sustainable community for our residents.
Lori Rice, Director of Parks & Recreation, shared:
“Earning Tree City USA recognition reflects Washington’s ongoing commitment to urban forestry and sustainable community development. We are especially proud of our staff, whose dedication to preserving and maintaining our trees ensures lasting benefits for our residents, our community and the environment.”
Thank you to our dedicated staff and community members who help keep Washington growing strong! 🌱💚
Why We Serve
Name: SRO Zach Hudson #293.
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I grew up in Bourbon, Missouri and graduated from Bourbon High School in 2004.
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? I worked as a 911 Dispatcher and I volunteered as a Fire Fighter. After graduating from the police academy, I was hired by the Sullivan Police Department, where I served as a Patrol Officer and later as a School Resource Officer. Following my time at Sullivan PD, I worked as a Deputy Juvenile Officer serving Franklin, Gasconade, and Osage Counties.
What academy did you go to? Missouri Sheriff’s Association Training Academy.
When did you join Washington PD and why? 2024. I heard a lot of great things about the community and the structure of the department. The support that the community has for this department is awesome.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I’m a School Resource Officer (SRO) and D.A.R.E. Instructor with the School District of Washington, where I am assigned as the SRO for five elementary schools and their Early Learning Center. I also provide D.A.R.E. instruction at two elementary schools. As an SRO, I work to bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement by fostering strong, positive relationships, allowing me to serve as a constructive influence in a child’s life.
When school is out of session, I’m assigned to our Patrol Division to supplement manpower. This is where I was originally assigned when I started at Washington PD.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? Emergency services have played a major role in my life, and I genuinely enjoy helping others and building relationships with people from all walks of life.
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 know that underneath the badge and uniform, there is a human being who actually cares for the public they serve.
One thing I didn’t fully realize until after I started working in law enforcement is how important School Resource Officers are to the communities they serve, and the meaningful impact they can have on a child’s life.
What do you enjoy outside of work? BBQing, smoking different meats, hunting and fishing, traveling, and spending time with my family.
Are you married? Kids? I’m married with four kids.
Pets? We have two dogs. One is an all-white German Shepherd and the other is a Saint Bernard.
Night Shift Summary. Date:05-04-2026
A female and male were arrested for outstanding warrants in the area of Washington Square.
Assisted EMS in the 1100 block of North Park.
Homeless activity in the area of the Farmers Market.
A verbal domestic was reported in the area of Whispering Oaks.
Arrests do not imply guilt.
Why We Serve
Name: P.O. Craig Smith #294
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from the Spanish Lake area of North St. Louis County and graduated from Hazelwood East High School in 1990.
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement? I worked for a car dealership in the parts department. I was in the auto parts field for almost 10 years before changing over to law enforcement.
What training academy did you go to and do you have public safety experience? I started out as an Explorer with the Manchester Police Department’s Law Enforcement Exploring program in 1990. I attended the St. Charles County Police Academy and in 1997, I started my career at Manchester PD as Patrol Officer.
When did you join Washington PD and why? 2025. I chose Washington PD because of their reputation as a great organization and good working environment. In addition, it was much closer to my home. At my last department, I would drive 50 minutes each way to work. Now I drive maybe 15 minutes each way. My children also go to school in Washington, which allows me to see them and attend their school events more often.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized assignments? I’m currently assigned to the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer. During my time with the Manchester Police Department, I served in several specialized roles, including ASP Baton Instructor, Field Training Officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Detective. As a Detective, I worked as an Investigator and served as a Computer Voice Stress Test Analysis Examiner. I was also assigned to the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad as both an Investigator and Deputy Report Officer. In 2023, I graduated from the FBI National Academy as a member of Session 288.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I grew up in a large family where my father was a habitual alcoholic and one of my older brothers addicted to illegal drugs. Both of them were continuously getting into trouble and subsequently arrested.
When the police responded to our home, which was often, they were empathetic and helpful to the rest of our family, however they still had to do their job. Each time, it left a huge impression on me, especially how they looked and handled themselves. From this, I knew early on that I wanted to do the same thing and help others, whether it be they were in the same situation as me or something else. To this day, I get a lot of satisfaction from helping others during their time of tragedy, misfortune or whatever problems they are confronted with.
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 police work is nothing like it is on TV - Crime isn’t solved within 45 minutes (minus commercials). Police work is very rewarding, but with that comes a lot of sacrifice. While the general public gets to be with their families the majority of the time and get to attend birthdays, graduations, weddings, sporting events, etc. We often lose out on family time because we have to work. However, we still do it because we believe in what we do.
The one thing I didn’t realize about police work until I started, was the amount of paperwork that’s needed. 95% of our work is done with report writing and investigations, and only about 5% is exciting and glorified.
What do you enjoy outside of work? In my spare time, I enjoy refurbishing and refinishing old antique furniture.
Are you married? Kids? I’ve been married for almost 17 years. My wife and I have two children together - two boys who are 14 and 15 years old
Pets? My wife and kids have one dog, a French Bulldog. Her name is Remi (short for Remington
The City of Washington is partnering with Animal Hospital of Washington to offer a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic for our community’s pets.
📍 Location: Animal Hospital of Washington (211 W. 5th Street)
💉 Cost: Rabies vaccines and additional vaccinations available for just $15 each
This is a great opportunity to keep your pets healthy, protected, and up to date on important vaccinations—while supporting overall community health.
Please remember to bring dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier.
For more information, contact the City of Washington or Animal Hospital of Washington at 636-239-2745.
Night Shift Summary. Date: 05/03/2026
A vehicle parts were reported in the southbound lane of Highway 47 near Heritage Hills Drive. An animal was reported running loose on Stafford Street near Horn Street. Two subjects were arrested during a physical domestic on International Avenue near Highway 100. A peace disturbance was reported at the riverfront. Officers assisted another agency in the 1400 block of East 5th Street. A suspicious person was reported in the 900 block of East 5th Street. A suspicious vehicle was reported in the 800 block of Madison Avenue.
Night Shift Summary. Date: 05/02/2026
A subject was stopped for traffic violations and placed under arrest for driving while revoked. A parking violation was reported in the 1000 block of West 7th Street. A report was taken in reference to a verbal domestic in the 1700 block of West Main Street. A subject was stopped for traffic violations and placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated.
Day Shift Summary 05/03/2026
Peace disturbance in the area of West 5th Street and Lafayette Street. Subjects causing the disturbance were asked to leave.
Trespassing at the riverfront. Subjects were walking on the tracks. They were advised that was not only dangerous, it was owned by Union Pacific and is considered trespassing.
Non-injury traffic crash in the 100 block of Stafford Street.
Hazards removed from the roadway in the 300 block of Rand Street.
Night Shift Summary 05/01/26
A parking violation was reported in the 200 block of Elm Street.
A parking violation was reported near the Southbend baseball fields.
A suspicious person was checked on West Main Street near Lafayette.
A loose dog was reported on East 8th Street near Locust Street.
Officers assisted another agency in the 300 block of Alberta Lane.
A vehicle crash was reported on Highway 47 near East 3rd Street.
Suspicious activity was reported on Eugenia Drive.
A parking violation was reported in the 1000 block of West 7th Street.
A suspicious vehicle was reported at Target.
A suspicious person was reported in the 1300 block of Stafford Street.
A subject was arrested for driving while intoxicated during a traffic stop.
Officers checked the area of Highway 100 and Highway A in reference to driving complaints.
Day Shift Summary 05/01/26
Non-injury traffic crash on High Street at West 14th Street.
Non-injury 3 vehicle crash on Highway 47 at Bieker Road.
Non-injury traffic crash on East 5th Street at Southbend Drive.
🚨 FRIDAY FRAUD FACTS 🚨
Checks and Forgery: The Washington Police Department investigates numerous forgeries over the course of any single year. In most of these cases, the victim sent a check out in the mail for a legitimate reason, such as paying a bill. Unfortunately, it has become extremely common for items to be stolen from the mail or even from mailing distribution centers. Once your check is stolen from the mail, the criminal has all your banking information. Criminals then alter these stolen checks to be made payable to themselves or their criminal syndicates, often for a much higher amount than what was written on the original check. In addition, the criminals can use your banking information to create highly realistic fake checks that they then use for other purchases or cash at various banks. Unfortunately, these forged or manufactured checks often go unnoticed by the banks until it is too late, and the victim has lost their money.
The City of Washington Parks & Recreation Charitable Foundation is kicking off a brand-new Summer Concert Series with not one—but two—free, family-friendly events!
Join us on Wednesday, June 3 from 6–8 PM featuring live music from Diesel Island, and again on Wednesday, June 17 from 6–8 PM with Friends of Aaron!
Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite snacks and drinks, and come relax with friends, family, and neighbors while enjoying great live music in a laid-back outdoor setting.
We can’t wait to see you there! 🌿🎵
Front Street, from Oak Street to Cedar Street, will remain closed. Sidewalks will remain open over the weekend.
Work on Front Street will resume Monday, May 4, at which time Front Street will remain closed from Oak Street to east of Cedar Street allowing access to Underground’s Parking Lot.
Prom Weekend Reminder
Happy Blue Friday WashMO!
This Saturday, May 2nd, juniors and seniors from several area schools will be celebrating prom. Some events will be held on campus, while others will take place at off-campus venues.
The weather is expected to be cool, but nice. It should be perfect for photos. Please be mindful of popular picture locations like Lions Lake, as these areas can become congested with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Also, a reminder: taking photos on train tracks or within railroad right of way is not only dangerous, but illegal.
Juniors & Seniors: You’ve got people in your life who care about you, family, friends, and teachers, and that includes your local police officers, firefighters, EMS, and dispatchers. We care about you too. Make good choices....please.
#WashMO #BUPD #ArriveAlive #RaisedThemRightStillWatchingTheLocationDot
#PromNightProofWeCleanUpOkaySometimes #UberIsCheaperThanOurRide
Why We Serve
Name: P.O. Ryan Rapert #295
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? Union, Missouri and I graduated from Union High School in 2024
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement? I worked at N-Sports and at Elco Chevrolet as a Service Valet.
What training academy did you go to and do you have any prior public safety experience? I graduated from the Eastern Missouri Police Academy earlier this year. I didn’t have prior experience.
When did you join Washington PD and why? I joined Washington PD in 2025. When I was going through the hiring process at various other departments, WPD was the first one to respond and I never looked back. Washington is also right down the road from where I grew up and I was familiar with the area.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized assignments? I’m currently assigned to the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer and I don’t have any specialized training or assignments yet.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? Though it may seem like a cliché answer, the reason I joined law enforcement was because of a police officer who came to my school when I was a little kid. All of the first responders came to my school, but I remember specifically looking at the police officers and thinking to myself how cool they looked. Even though their uniforms are what originally caught my attention, I continued to stay interested in law enforcement throughout my life. I began attending youth academies and looking up the qualifications for the police academy. By the time I graduated high school in 2024, I knew that I wanted to join the police academy, so as soon as I was old enough I submitted my application.
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? One thing I wish the public knew about law enforcement is that there is a lot more paperwork in this job than you'd think. A lot of time spent in front of a computer typing out reports and associated forms.
One thing I didn’t realize before starting this job is how difficult it can be to manage a constantly changing sleep schedule. Adjusting to sleeping during the day so I can work at night, then trying to switch back to a normal routine on my days off, has been a challenge and something I’m still getting used to. Every 56 days, we rotate from day shift to night shift. When that happens, I have to readjust all over again. It does eventually settle into a more normal rhythm, but those first few days are always tough.
What do you enjoy outside of work? I enjoy watching TV shows/movies, working out, and playing video games. When the opportunity presents itself, I like to get together with my friends and play basketball.
Are you married? Kids? No
Pets? No
Night Shift Summary. Date: 04-30-26
Assisted Highway Patrol with an intoxicated subject.
A male subject was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Arrests do not imply guilt
Why We Serve
Name: P.O. Patrick Martin #296
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from the Union, Missouri area and graduated from Union High School in 2018.
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement? I worked in construction and at Imo’s.
What training academy did you go to and do you have public safety experience? I graduated from the Missouri’s Sheriff’s Association Training Academy in 2023. Prior to coming to Washington PD, I worked as a Deputy for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to their Jail Facility.
When did you join Washington PD and why? 2025 and I wanted to work for the community that I’m a part of.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized assignments? I’m currently assigned to the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer. I don’t have any specialized training or assignments yet.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I chose law enforcement because I didn’t feel fulfilled by earlier jobs. I wanted a career that would allow me to help others in a meaningful way.
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 really knew that officers genuinely care about doing their part to make the community a safer place and helping others when they might need it most.
I didn’t realize how supportive of law enforcement this community is until after I started working for the residents of Washington.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work I enjoy spending quality time with my family, exercising, and watching movies.
Are you married? Kids? My wife, Brianna, and I have two young children and another on the way.
Pets? We have one dog and two cats.
#WashMO #GoBlueJays #TinyTourBigImpact #WeSurvivedTheKindergartenTour
Night Shift Summary. Date:4-29-26
A leaving the scene traffic accident was reported in the area of Highway A and Steutermann Road.
Two stray dogs were brought to the police department. One appeared to have been struck by a vehicle.
A verbal domestic report was taken in the 500 block of West 5th Street.
Homeless activity in the area of the Farmers Market.
A male subject was arrested in the area of Washington Square for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Arrests do not imply guilt
