The Missouri State Highway Patrol says mid-Missouri roads remain treacherous this morning, and they’re urging you to stay off the road. Columbia Police are also urging you to slow down, saying hazardous driving conditions have caused them to implement the delayed crash report protocol. Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) president Matt Nichols joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”. Mr. Nichols discusses CPD’s delayed crash report protocol and also weighed in on efforts to recall Columbia first ward councilman Nick Knoth. It’s been 33 years since a Columbia city council member was recalled. Recall organizers say Knoth’s job as a lobbyist with the Missouri Realtors is a conflict of interest with his elected position. Councilman Knoth disputes that, as does the CPOA. CPOA president Matt Nichols is urging listeners to vote no on the recall, saying Councilman Knoth is being targeted by those who support defunding and abolishing the police:
(LISTEN): CPOA members selling pink patches until end of October
You’ll notice a Columbia Police vehicle wrapped in pink vinyl this month, as the Columbia Police Department and the Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) continue to raise awareness about breast cancer.
The CPOA paid for the decals. CPD officer Johnny Quirarte says all of the money raised this month will remain in Columbia.
“In 2019, CPOA teamed up to participate in the pink patch program. Since then, we’ve donated over $4,000 to this program which is pretty cool. So how can you participate? You can purchase a pink patch today for $15 or via our QR code. And the funds raised during October are going towards the purchase of imaging equipment at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center here in Columbia,” Quirarte says.
Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe has dyed her hair pink for CPOA and to raise awareness of breast cancer awareness month. Mayor Buffaloe, Officer Quirarte, Ellis Fischel representatives and breast cancer survivors spoke at a recent press conference in front of city hall. Chelsea Brunstrom, the wife of CPD officer Ryan Brunstrom, spoke at the ceremony:
“I was diagnosed in 2019 at the age of 31 and both my mother and my grandmother were also breast cancer survivors. So as a third-generation breast cancer survivor you can imagine that this is kind of important raising awareness. It’s near and dear to my heart,” Ms. Brunstrom says.
She’s emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups and self-exams.
“And it was in between those doctors visits that in a regular routine self-exam I found a lump … pretty scary. Because I was aware of my risks, that meant that I could contact my doctor right away and I was able to get started in treatment very quickly,” says Brunstrom.
Columbia’s mayor hopeful about proposed new office of Violence Prevention
Columbia’s mayor says she’s done talking about community violence and wants to see action.
Mayor Barbara Buffaloe is proposing the creation of a new Office of Violence Prevention, and she outlined her plan during Monday night’s city council meeting.
Mayor Buffaloe tells our news partner ABC-17 that numerous cities have similar offices, including Kansas City and Philadelphia. Funding will be an issue, because the city council just approved Columbia’s new $533-million budget in September. There would have to be an amendment to the budget.
Columbia’s city council last night also voted to approve a resolution stating council intent to utilize $25-million in federal American Rescue Plan (ARPA) dollars, and directed staff to negotiate agreements for council consideration. The Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) is critical of Columbia’s city council on ARPA, noting that of the $2-million allocated for “community violence,” zero is allocated to law enforcement.
The Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) is also disappointed because the council has not allocated any ARPA dollars as premium/hazard pay for law enforcement officers and other essential workers who were unable to work from home during the COVID pandemic. The CPOA says these city employees risked their safety and health for everyone in Columbia, adding that the hazard incentive would have demonstrated to the community recognizes their ongoing sacrifice.
CPD chief to retire this summer; CPOA praises Chief Jones
Columbia’s police chief has announced his retirement, effective August 1.
Chief Geoff Jones has served the department for more than 24 years, starting as a patrol officer in 1998 under then-Police Chief Norm Botsford. Mr. Jones describes serving as chief as an incredible experience, and that he’s proud to have been part of the team that works daily to protect citizens.
Columbia city manager De’Carlon Seewood praises Chief Jones, saying he’s worked hard to “ingrain a high level of professionalism and customer service in the department.” Mr. Seewood will evaluate the process that’s used to choose the next chief.
The Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) is praising outgoing Chief Jones. CPOA attorney Donald Weaver addressed the city council on Monday evening.
“We admire his character and there’s no doubt in my heart and mind that he has always done what he felt was right. The right things for the right reasons,” Weaver tells the council.
Counselor Weaver wishes the council good luck in finding someone who, in his words, can fill Chief Jones’ shoes.
Chief Jones, a Rock Bridge graduate, served as a police cadet while in high school. Since starting as a patrol officer in 1998, he’s also served as a narcotics detective, police sergeant, lieutenant and interim chief. He has served as police chief since 2019.
CPD chief to retire this summer; CPOA praises Chief Jones
Columbia’s police chief has announced his retirement, effective August 1.
Chief Geoff Jones has served the department for more than 24 years, starting as a patrol officer in 1998 under then-Police Chief Norm Botsford. Mr. Jones describes serving as chief as an incredible experience, and that he’s proud to have been part of the team that works daily to protect citizens.
Columbia city manager De’Carlon Seewood praises Chief Jones, saying he’s worked hard to “ingrain a high level of professionalism and customer service in the department.” Mr. Seewood will evaluate the process that’s used to choose the next chief.
The Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) is praising outgoing Chief Jones. CPOA attorney Donald Weaver addressed the city council on Monday evening.
“We admire his character and there’s no doubt in my heart and mind that he has always done what he felt was right. The right things for the right reasons,” Weaver tells the council.
Counselor Weaver wishes the council good luck in finding someone who, in his words, can fill Chief Jones’ shoes.
Chief Jones, a Rock Bridge graduate, served as a police cadet while in high school. Since starting as a patrol officer in 1998, he’s also served as a narcotics detective, police sergeant, lieutenant and interim chief. He has served as police chief since 2019.