Sullivan Police Chief George R. Counts was honored Saturday with a retirement diner at Sullivan Knights of Columbus Hall. Counts was joined by his family, colleagues, city officials and friends. Pictured is Chief Counts with his family Saturday evening.
Sullivan Police Chief George R. Counts Retires Following 46-Year Law Enforcement Career
Sullivan Police Chief George R. Counts, Saturday night, September 11, signed off with Sullivan Police Dispatch for the last time as a law enforcement officer and Chief of the Sullivan Police Department, retiring after a 46 year career in law enforcement.
Chief Counts was honored by his colleagues, city officials, friends and family on Saturday night, during a retirement celebration at Sullivan Knights of Columbus Hall. The event was complete with several gift presentations, a video on his career and best wishes from friends and colleagues, a proclamation by Sullivan Mayor Dennis Watz followed by dinner and his sign off from the department.
Counts began his career with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and was promoted to the position of Assistant Police Chief on April 16, 1981.
Just one year later on July 15, 1982, then Sullivan Mayor the late Charles Strauser, promoted Counts to Chief of Police for the City of Sullivan.
Chief Counts served some four decades earning numerous awards and recognized by the State of Missouri as the longest sitting Chief of Police in the State of Missouri.
During his tenure as Sullivan Police Chief, Counts saw the department from from a small city facility in the basement of Sullivan City Hall to a once new facility off Progress Dr. in which he assisted in the design to ensure the future needs of the department would be met as the city grew.
Counts implemented a number of programs and saw the department become accredited, which was one of his many goals along with seeing the department remain updated with the newest training, certifications, equipment and long-term objectives all while staying within the city budget.
In Mayor Dennis Watz, Proclamation, he states, “Now therefore, be it ordained by Dennis Watz, Mayor of the City of Sullivan Missouri, that George R. Counts is hereby commended for his selfless leadership and outstanding public service which has been a model for other law enforcement agencies across the State of Missouri. His wisdom, dedication and compassion during times of tragedy, grief, and destruction has helped strengthen our community and leaves a sturdy foundation for the future growth of the department.”
The Sullivan Independent News wishes to congratulate Chief George R. Counts on his tremendous career and support of the news being fully accessible to our publication.
The Independent will have more on the retirement of Chief Counts in next weeks publication as well as upcoming articles on new Sullivan Police Chief Patrick Johnson and new Lt. Jeff Rorher.