On April 30, 2024, Kimberling City Police Chief Todd Lemoine was named the 2023 Outstanding Missouri Police Chief of the Year at the Missouri Police Chiefs Association Conference.
Chief Lemoine was nominated for the honor by Kimberling City Mayor Bob Fritz, City Administrator Dawne Gardner, and other City staff and officials. In their nomination letter, they shared that Chief Lemoine “hit the ground running” when he was hired in November 2021, after the city was left without a police force following the resignation of the entire department earlier that year. Within four months of Chief Lemoine’s leadership, new officers were hired and ready to patrol, with high standards and motivational tools in place to help them do an excellent job. The nomination letter also referenced Chief Lemoine’s work in building visibility and community rapport through such avenues as an improved social media presence, monthly Coffee Talks, and active participation at community events.
“Building back public trust has been a challenge for the police department since 2021,” the City officials acknowledged in the nomination letter. “We are proud to say that Chief Lemoine and his officers have accomplished this and more. Because of his community policing, commitment to training his officers and requiring professionalism, our citizens love and appreciate him as well as our entire police force.”
Chief Lemoine moved to Kimberling City planning to retire, following a solid career in law enforcement in Louisiana as well as positions in federal government service and with the United States Marine Forces Reserve Command and service in the United States Marine Corps. He admits he did not move to the area intending to become police chief, but simply saw a need and realized he could use his experience to fill it.
Since 2021, several other improvements have been accomplished, including improved website and in-house communication; numerous safety upgrades; improved funding through a safety sales tax as well as utilization of available grant funding; and the department’s K9 program.
In accepting the award and via social media following, Chief Lemoine thanked the mayor, board of aldermen, police committee, and city administrator for their support and confidence, as well as his wife and family. And of course, he credits the team of officers with whom he says it is a privilege to work daily.
“This recognition is not just a testament to my individual efforts, but a reflection of the dedication and commitment of every member of our law enforcement community,” said Chief Lemoine. “It is a tremendous honor to serve as the Chief of Police in a community where the leadership values collaboration, transparency and progress."
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