Viewfinder: Chief Noonan's Retirement Open House

The city of Wentzville honored outgoing Police Chief Robert J. Noonan with a gala bash at . The event was held Oct. 20.

After 14 years in Wentzville and 42 years in law enforcement, Chief Noonan is retiring. Noonan’s retirement takes effect Nov. 1.

Residents were invited to the Open House to personally thank Chief Noonan and wish him well. Residents and officers alike came out to honor Noonan.

Several Wentzville law enforcement employees wore nametags reading 'Kiddo.' The Suburban Journals noted Noonan's habit of calling all his officers 'kiddo.'

“I have come to realize over my nine years of elected office in Wentzville that it’s been my honor to work with one of the most respected police chiefs in Missouri," said Mayor Paul Lambi. "I can scarcely go anywhere and mention Chief Noonan’s name without being regaled with fond stories of his integrity, leadership, mentoring and fairness. Chief Noonan built the into one of the most admired departments in eastern Missouri. I wish him God speed and a long retirement with his family and friends.”

Noonan was hired as Wentzville’s Chief of Police in September of 1997. At that time, the department consisted of 24 officers and 9 civilian employees. Today, the department has grown to 56 officers and 19 civilian employees.

In 2005 Noonan was named Police Chief of the Year by the Missouri Federation of Police Chiefs, and he served two, two-year terms as president of that organization.