Veteran Police Chief Retires from Jasper PD

Chief Schmitt said that he will be continuing his law enforcement career in a new position with the Deaconess Police Department at Memorial Hospital. When asked what about the areas of public safety he would like to see his successor prioritize, the Chief clearly articulated his feelings, saying that the growing city needs to “continue to embrace new technology, but remember good old fashion policing that involves building relationships with the community.” The veteran of law enforcement also emphasized the need for the community to add quality officers to the department. The Chief advised, “you can't wait for problems to start and then try to hire officers to address the problems, because it's too late. Stay ahead of growth, hire for character, and train for skills.”