LPD celebrates Open House

By Editor | May 5, 2025 |

Photo by Shari Harris
Chief Burton cuts the ribbon with a celebration-size pair of scissors. From left, front: City Administrator Rhonda Kirkwood, Licking Chamber of Commerce President Kyle Smith, Mayor Scott Ogden, Chief Burton, Sergeant Brian Allgire, Officer Mike Wehling, Officer Jimmy Mendenhall, Administrative Assistant Christy Porter, Chaplain Paul Richardson, Senator Brad Hudson and Representative Bennie Cook; back: Alderman Joe Dillard, Alderman Danny Wade, Alderman Fred Rinne (located behind Smith), Alderwoman Linda Breedlove, Corporal Kenny Santee (located behind Burton), Officer & SRO Bobby Duncan and Officer Jeremy Anderson.

By Shari Harris, Publisher

Friday marked the ribbon cutting and Open House at the new Licking Police Department, located at the corner of South Main Street and Myers Street. Several dignitaries were on hand to help the LPD celebrate their special day. Licking R-8 students volunteered and all department staff were present to welcome visitors, offer tours and answer questions.

Licking Police Chief Patrick Burton cut the ribbon at their ceremony. He welcomed all who attended.

State Representative Bennie Cook, 143rd District, presented Chief Burton with a resolution from the House of Representatives honoring the event and congratulated the department on behalf of the legislature.

State Senator Brad Hudson, 33rd District, commented that he represents the best district in the state because of the communities in his district, and emphasized the importance of law enforcement in making those communities great.

On behalf of U.S. Congressman Jason Smith, Mr. Grant Wilson offered congratulations to the department on getting its own building and presented a portion of the Congressional Record honoring the event.

Colbey Stosberg, on behalf of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, offered congratulations and assured the continued support of the Attorney General’s office. He commended the community’s investment in the Police Department.

Licking Mayor Scott Ogden thanked Chief Burton and the department for all they have done with the new building and for the community. He challenged all attending to “be a light in our town.”

Chamber of Commerce President Kyle Smith announced that the Chamber would be gifting the department an AED, for use in the facility or in one of their vehicles.

Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey reflected on how far the department has come since May 26, 1988, when he began working there. Chief Burton thanked the sheriff for his mentorship over the years.

Chief Burton acknowledged the importance of the law enforcement tax passed by the voters of the city, and he recognized the members of his team and their family members for getting the building ready. He thanked the Board of Aldermen, posthumously Mayor Keith Cantrell for his support over the years, City Administrator Rhonda Kirkwood, Lanie Frick for the work on the signage, lettering, decals on cars, and the badge in the training room, and Tammy Sullins for the cake and treats at the event. He also thanked the speakers, the citizens of the community and the students who helped document the event.

LPD Chaplain Paul Richardson offered a prayer of blessing for the department.

Tours of the facility were offered to those attending. The front lobby of the building will be open 24/7, and has a phone available which will connect directly to 911. The administrative assistant’s office is located next, followed by a training room. Offices are available for the Chief of Police, Sergeant and Corporal, and a squad room gives space for all other officers with room for growth as needed. There are separate interview rooms for suspects and for victims, and a Multi-Jurisdiction room offers space for members of other law enforcement organizations to conduct business as needed. An evidence processing room and an evidence room are both available, and a gym (filled with donated equipment) allows officers to remain fit to meet the requirements of an annual physical fitness test.

A patrol car was open offering views of all the equipment needed in a modern law enforcement vehicle. Over $30,000 in equipment has been purchased through grant money for the vehicles.