STE. GENEVIEVE – Former Ste. Genevieve Police Chief Eric Bennett announced his resignation on social media, with a farewell that echoed many of the same thought as his resignation letter which was released by City Clerk Pam Meyer this afternoon.
First his farewell on Facebook:
“After nearly 24 years in law enforcement, including the last 14 years as Chief of Police, I’m excited to now announce my ”retirement” from law enforcement.
“Effective Monday, October 3, 2022, I will be resigning from my position as the Ste. Genevieve Police Chief.
“In September of 2008, I sat before Mayor Dick Greminger, and the board of Aldermen and Women, including Dr. Gary Smith, Carl Okenfuss, John Wibbenmeyer, Buck Jokerst, Joe Steiger, the late John Stuppy, and Linda Brumfield, who took a chance on a 29 year-old with no administrative experience to lead the department in a different direction.
“Now, all these years later, with the help of some great officers and supervisors, and specifically Jasen Crump, we’ve returned the department to a respected, efficient and effective agency, who puts the community’s needs first.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to have served such an amazing community, and look forward to experiencing all that Ste. Genevieve has to offer, but as a citizen.
“Since moving our family to Ste Genevieve in 2008, we’ve been welcomed into the community with open arms, and have made lifelong friends and relationships in the community, and will continue to do so.
Thank you to everybody who has supported me, the department and my family. And thank you to above listed Mayor and Alder people, as well as all past board members and Mayor Paul Hassler for trusting this responsibility to me. It’s truly been my honor!
“I have accepted a position in the private sector and will be stepping away from the only career I’ve known in my adult life.
“I wish the department, its officers and supervisors all the best and will be there if you ever need anything.
“God bless.”
In his resignation letter, addressed to Mayor Paul Hassler, Bennett recommended the city look into abolishing its requirement that police chiefs live in the city limits, and recommended Lt. Jasen Crump be named the next police chief.
Meyer said Lt. Crump will lead the police department in the interim.
Under the city code, the mayor will appoint the new police chief, subject to the approval of the board of aldermen.