By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
St. Joseph Police Chief Chris Connally is retiring.
Connally, who became police chief in January of 2006, will retire at the end of this month.
Prior to coming to St. Joseph, Connally served as assistant chief of the Portsmouth, Virginia Police Department. Connally began his career in law enforcement in 1984 after being honorably discharged from the United States Navy.
Connally served as interim city manager twice.
In addition to his official duties, Chief Connally worked as an adjunct faculty member with Missouri Western State University and a member of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, the St. Joseph Youth Alliance, the Safety Council, The Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
City Manager Bryan Carter recognized Connally’s accomplishments and commitment to St. Joseph.
“We appreciate Chief Connally’s dedication to the police department and the community over the past 16 years,” Carter said in a written statement released by the city. “He has been instrumental in addressing issues related to crime and other challenges we have faced in modern times. His willingness to address those challenges has been commendable and his insight into policing and local government invaluable.”
Commander Dave Hart, a native of St. Joseph who joined the force in 1999, will serve as the interim police chief.