Monday was a banner day in Joplin, as City officials, Joplin Police staff, City employees, and community members welcomed Rich Pearson as Joplin’s new Police Chief.
Pearson was sworn in to serve in his new role by City Clerk Holly Nagy. He most recently served as Captain of the Jefferson County Public School System Police Department in Louisville, Ky.
He served 22 years in the Louisville Metro Police Department and taught in the Criminal Justice Department of Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg, IN.
He holds a Master of Science and a bachelor’s degree in justice administration from the University of Louisville. He graduated from the FBI’s National Police Academy in Quantico, VA, and the Southern Police Institute in Louisville. He recently received his Doctorate in Criminal Justice at Saint Leo University in St. Leo, FL.
Pearson said in a press release , “I’m excited to talk with citizens and listen to their ideas and input about our department. I plan to get out in the community and meet everyone.
I’d like to build relationships and start new friendships, and I am anxious to be a part of Joplin. By working together, we can continue to enjoy a safe and vibrant community.”
Pearson takes over for Joplin Assistant Chief Brian Lewis, who served as the Interim Chief since March of this year.
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