Raise likely for AGPD beginners

By: 
Ryan Squibb

Shown above is the incoming police cruiser that will soon be seen roaming the streets of Ash Grove.

With nearby police departments offering a starting pay rate of up to $22.12 per hour, Ash Grove’s starting pay in the $15 range is lagging. As such, the city is taking action and likely raising the base wage to $17.50, a small tick behind the area average of $17.72.
The raise comes at the recommendation of Police Chief Darin Chance, who is currently looking for another full-time officer to bring the total number to five full-time officers for Ash Grove.
While the department also has several reserve officers, the fulltime positions are sometimes vacated for higher paying jobs elsewhere.
The pay raise was discussed and all but enacted at the Aug. 2 Ash Grove Board of Aldermen meeting. While the board did seem full in favor of the proposal, the measure couldn’t fully be set in place without an ordinance, which will likely be presented in the coming weeks.
Mayor Les Gardner supported the hike, and compared it to the higher pay one can find at fast food businesses currently.
“I’m glad we’re moving forward with this and increasing pay,” Gardner said.
The pay package not only touts a better hourly wage now, but also a retirement package and other benefits for all full-time officers.
New cruiser
The department is also getting a different police cruiser in replacement of one that was totaled in a May pursuit.
The new-to-the-department rig is a 2018 Ford Interceptor (Explorer), with 53,648 miles which cost $21,900.
The outgoing cop car was in pursuit of a vehicle in Dade County, when the officer behind the wheel—unfamiliar with the territory—failed to negotiate a curve and struck a tree, totaling the vehicle.
It has since been discussed by department leadership that pursuits will only be engaged in felony or DUI cases.

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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