Keokuk, IA – Keokuk Police Chief Tom Crew says his department is down to 22 sworn officers. That includes himself, Administrative Captain Dave Hinton, and two criminal investigators.
Crew says the current total is 21, though, because one of his officers is serving overseas in the U.S. Military.
Two officers have retired from the Keokuk Police Department in the last year.
Officer John Vaughn left after 20+ years in the department and 20 years in the U.S. Marines. Sgt. Scott Ragar has been granted a disability retirement after being injured while on the job in Feb. 2010.
The Keokuk City Council has decided not to fill those positions.
Chief Tom Crew says that will make it more difficult for officers to quickly respond to emergencies. He says fewer officers will be on a shift, which means fewer officers patrolling the streets of Keokuk.
Crew says officers could be forced to prioritize calls for service. He says that was done, several years ago, when previous staffing moves led the Keokuk Police Department to have just 22 officers.
Crew plans to meet with the city's finance committee to see what options are available. They could include hiring replacement officers or allowing additional overtime.
Ragar Recognition
The Keokuk Police Department will honor Sgt. Scott Ragar at an upcoming city council meeting.
Police Chief Tom Crew says Ragar was injured in February 2010 while escorting a student from Keokuk High School. The student shoved Ragar, who hit his head on the pavement.
Crew says Ragar's recovery did not reach the level needed to rejoin the force.
Ragar will receive a disability-related retirement.
Chief Crew asked the council if it would honor Ragar for his service. The council said it would.