Community invited to retirement reception for Police Chief Preston Schmidt

The City of Hollister invites you to join them on Thursday, January 15, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Center/Historic Train Depot (294 Esplanade, Hollister) to celebrate the retirement of Police Chief Preston Schmidt. This is a come-and-go event with a presentation to begin at 2:30 p.m.

            Chief Schmidt began his career in January of 1999 as a Patrol Officer for the City of Hollister’s Police Department. He served as Investigator from 2003 and as Sergeant from 2005 before assuming command of the department as Chief in April of 2008. 

Schmidt (FILE)

            “Chief Schmidt’s dedication to public safety, commitment to integrity and leadership have made a lasting impact on Hollister,” Mayor Jeff Long shared. He added, “On behalf of the City of Hollister, I want to thank Chief Schmidt for his years of service and the countless hours he devoted to protecting our residents and supporting his fellow officers. We wish him the very best in a well-earned retirement.”

            Lamar Patton, Director of Economic Development, said, “Chief Preston Schmidt’s leadership during a time of significant growth and change has left the Hollister Police Department stronger and well-prepared for the future. On behalf of the staff and entire community, we thank him for his dedication and service and wish him a happy retirement.”

            While reflecting on his 27 years of service to the City of Hollister, Chief Schmidt stated, “I have been blessed to have served the citizens of Hollister, and I am truly thankful to have been part of the police department for 27 years, 17 as Chief. I could not have maintained such a successful career without great people around me. To the city staff, local business owners, surrounding life safety agencies and of course the members of the department, I can’t thank you enough for your support. To my biggest supporters, my family, thank you for being my ear and always being there when I needed you most. Soon I leave, and as I do, I hope that those I worked for, and with, recognize me as a person who treated them fairly and professionally. I know that the city and the police department are in a great place, and I am encouraged and excited to watch the continued growth from a distance as I move forward down another path.”

            Please contact Deputy City Administrator Denise Olmstead at 417-337-8315 or by email at dolmstead@hollistermo.gov with questions or for more information.