Retirement Reception Planned for Wentzville's Police Chief

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

To recognize Chief Noonan’s long years of public service, the will host an open house in honor of his retirement from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at .

Residents are invited to attend the Open House so they can personally thank Chief Noonan and wish him well.

“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.

Typical of Noonan’s well-known modesty, when asked about the honor of being named Police Chief of the Year, Noonan said, “You don’t become successful by yourself; you are made successful by the people who do the work, so this award is a reflection on the department; it’s really their award. My greatest achievement is that I head a well- organized, productive, professional department.”

Prior to coming to Wentzville Noonan was Chief of Police at Troy, IL, and before that he served in the Jennings, Riverview and Bel-Nor police departments.