Jefferson City Police Chief Eric Wilde says the investigation continues into Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s home being swatted Sunday night. Chief Wilde joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”, telling listeners that they have reason to believe this wasn’t an isolated incident in Jefferson City, adding several similar incidents have happened nationwide. Chief Wilde tells listeners that while he can’t provide many details, all of the calls that come into the Jefferson City Police Department are recorded. But he notes sometimes people use virtual routers to make the calls. Chief Wilde tells listeners that there will be a lot of subpoenas to issue in the coming days to try to solve the case. He also believes Secretary Ashcroft is the first statewide elected official to be swatted in Jefferson City:
(LISTEN): Missouri’s Secretary of State discusses swatting incident on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”
Jefferson City Police Chief Eric Wilde confirms that Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s home was swatted Sunday evening. Chief Wilde tells 939 the Eagle that JCPD is continuing to investigate. Secretary Ashcroft joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri,” telling listeners that Jefferson City Police received an anonymous call that Ashcroft had killed his wife and shot other people. Ashcroft praises the professionalism of Jefferson City Police, and is calling on those responsible to be prosecuted. He says no one was injured in the incident, and that he walked out the front door with his hands up, as several armed JCPD police officers were in front of his house:
(AUDIO): Jefferson City’s police chief says awards exemplify the compassion his officers have for the community
Jefferson City’s police chief has high praise for the heroism and professionalism displayed by his officers in numerous difficult circumstances during the past year.
Police chief Eric Wilde is grateful to the 17 JCPD employees and 911 operators who were honored last week.
“It’s the day in the life of a Jefferson City police officer, or any police officer. Everything that happens out there is unexpected. You never know what’s going to happen the next day. And I’m just so proud of our officers that they have that compassion, that care for the community, that they want to save lives everyday, every opportunity that they’re presented with,” Wilde says.
Chief Eric Wilde saw several of them tear-up.
“What happens during an award ceremony like this is that you really kind of start to relive that moment. And a lot of those moments you have when you’re saving lives can be pretty emotional. It can be stressful. You’ve got somebody’s life in your hands. Sometimes you’re successful, sometimes you’re not,” Wilde says.
JCPD officer Matthew Savallisch earned the medal of honor for a November 2022 incident involving a suicidal person on Madison street. Lieutenant David Williams and officers Josh Hagemeyer, Paul Gash, Cody Scheuler and Elisa McMahon earned the Jefferson City PD’s meritorious service medal. Police say the man threw himself off a 25-foot retaining wall, hanging himself. Officer Savallisch crawled under the fence and grabbed the man under his arms, lifting him up. Lt. Williams and the other officers secured Savallisch’s legs and gun belt to prevent him from falling over the wall. The other officers also lifted the victim and Savallisch up over the wall to safety.
Chief Wilde tells 939 the Eagle that every one of the officers and others honored last week were successful in saving lives. One of those honored was 911 operator Don McGovern, who received the first 911 call after the deadly November double homicide at J. Pfenny’s restaurant and bar. The first 911 call was an open line for almost 30 seconds, with people screaming and noises of tables and chairs being flipped over. Operator McGovern then heard someone on the call say there was a man shooting inside the bar. He radioed out “all units there’s an active shooter inside J. Pfenny’s bar” and relayed information about the suspect running out the back door. Within one minute of JCPD officers arriving, they had handcuffed suspect Damien Davis and secured his gun.
(AUDIO): 17 JCPD employees and a civilian recognized at police foundation awards ceremony
About 400 people packed the Capital Bluffs venue Wednesday evening to see a medal of honor presented to a Jefferson City police officer, along with meritorious service awards for 17 JCPD employees and 911 operators.
Jefferson City Police Chief Eric Wilde thanks for the community for its sponsorship and attendance at the Jefferson City Police Foundation’s second annual awards banquet.
“And we had over 31 corporate sponsors this year from the community of Jefferson City. And I think that just speaks tons to the support that the police department and law enforcement in general have in this town and we’re just very lucky to be here and have that kind of support from our community,” Chief Wilde tells 939 the Eagle.
The chief is thankful for the community’s support.
“To the community, everybody in Jefferson City, not just the ones that are here tonight, thank you for the support. We’ve got a great community, we get a lot of community support from this area, so thank you. That’s what makes our job worth it, that’s what makes our job so rewarding, is whenever we can know that people have our back here,” says Wilde.
JCPD officer Matthew Savallisch earned the medal of honor for a November 2022 incident involving a suicidal person on Madison street. Motel employee Travis Black was also presented with a certificate of appreciation for intervening in a police incident in December and grabbing the suspect from behind as she charged to within feet of an officer.
12 Jefferson City police officers, a lieutenant, a sergeant and three 911 operators have earned the meritorious service award from the Jefferson City Police Foundation for their work in the past year. We’ll talk more in-detail about some of the other awards in the coming days on 939 the Eagle.
Popular Jefferson City Police K9 dies following illness
Jefferson City Police say trusted and popular K9 Drax has died, after a two-month battle with an unknown illness. Jefferson City Police Chief Eric Wilde made the announcement on Wednesday, saying Drax fought as hard during this illness as he always had during police-related duties.
Canine Drax, a German Shepard, joined the Jefferson City Police Department in September 2019 and began initial training. Chief Wilde says Drax was utilized in 13 criminal apprehensions, most of which were peaceful surrenders. The dog was also utilized by patrol officers and SWAT to assist in securing 20 unsecure perimeters.
Drax also participated in numerous community events, including giving demonstrations to children and adults.
Chief Wilde says K9 Drax was born in Hungary in February 2018, joining the JCPD in September 2019. Wilde says Drax conducted 154 narcotic searches for the department, resulting in more than five pounds of meth and as well as cocaine, heroin and marijuana. The dog also gave demonstrations to children and adults alike.