City of Washington - Information and news updates from the City of Washington, Missouri government.

Why We Serve

Name: Chief Jim Armstrong #256

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I grew up in Villa Ridge, Missouri and I graduated from Pacific High School.

Did you serve in the military? If so, what branch and what was your occupation? Did you deploy? Yes, I joined the Missouri National Guard right out of high school. I was a Military Policeman. During the Gulf War, our unit was deployed to Europe.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? I was a college student, I worked odd-jobs, and I was in the military.

What academy did you go to? I attended the St. Charles County Police Academy.

When did you join Washington PD and why? 1997. Washington was a familiar community to me and I wanted to work in an area that I knew. immediately after graduating from the police academy.

What is your current role within the department, and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I started out as a Patrol Officer in the department’s Patrol Division and worked my way up through the ranks to my current assignment and rank. During the course of my career, I’ve held the rank of Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain (Asst. Chief of Police), and Chief.

Along the way, I’ve served in various capacities such as a Bike Patrol Officer, K-9 Officer, School Resource Officer assigned to the School District of Washington for Washington High School. DARE Instructor for several area elementary schools, Crash Reconstructionist, Drug Recognition Expert, an instructor for firearms, less-lethal munitions, and Taser usage, and as the Certification Manager for the department’s accreditation process through the Missouri Police Chief’s Association.

In 2007, I graduated from the FBI National Academy as a member of Session 229. In 2020, I graduated from the Missouri Police Chiefs Command College.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? After serving as a Military Policeman, I realized the profession was a perfect fit for me. In law enforcement, no two days are ever the same, and that variety is part of what drew me to the job. More importantly, the ability to serve the community and help people navigate a crisis or one of the worst days of their lives is incredibly fulfilling.

What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement? I wish the public truly understood the sacrifices police officers make and the profound toll this profession can take on a person. Officers are frequently subjected to trauma and high-stress situations, and over time, that cumulative strain can heavily impact their mental health.

As a profession, law enforcement has made tremendous strides in recognizing these challenges and offering real solutions. Ensuring our department provides an open, positive, and supportive climate where officers can get the assistance they need is one of my highest priorities.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of the department, I love traveling with my wife and spending as much time as humanly possible with my grandkids.

Day Shift Summary. 6/9/26:

Assisted WFD with an alarm in the 300 block of Lake View Dr.

Responded to another alarm in the 300 block of Lake View Dr.

Responded to the area of Jefferson St. and E. 2nd St. for a traffic complaint.

An open door was reported in the 1300 block of Lakeshore Dr.

A towed vehicle report was completed in the 4200 block of Hwy 47.

A motor vehicle crash occurred in the area of Hwy 47 and Hwy A.

Check the well being conducted in the 1900 block of Mike Alan Dr.

A towed vehicle report was completed in the 300 block of E. 8th St.

A motor vehicle crash occurred in the 900 block of E. 5th St.

Assisted WFD with an alarm in the 100 block of W. Main St.

A peace disturbance was reported in the 700 block of Locust St.

A male was arrested for driving while revoked in the area of E. 5th St. and Zetta Dr.

ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT

Why We Serve

Name: Det/Sgt. Mike Wissbaum #259

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I grew up in Jefferson County, Missouri and later moved into St. Louis County where I attended, and graduated from, Eureka High School

Did you serve in the military? If so, what branch and what was your occupation? Did you deploy? I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in April 1990 as an infantryman. During infantry training, military units began deploying to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Upon completion of my infantry training, there was a large group temporarily detached to various security forces units around the globe. I was detached to a security forces unit at the Marine Barracks in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where I supervised a security detail that provided security for the U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters and housing area. Upon completion of Operation Desert Storm, I was detached to an infantry unit of the 3d Marine Division at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? Prior to entering law enforcement, and in addition to my time in the United States Marine Corps, I worked as a cook, in clothing sales at Crestwood Mall, as an assistant driller on an environmental drill rig, and in HVAC and duct cleaning.

What academy did you go to? In 1997, I graduated from the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy.

When did you join Washington PD and why? 1997. I grew up in a smaller town and working as an officer in a smaller town seemed like the best fit for me.

What is your current role within the department, and do you have any specialized training or assignments? I began my career as a Patrol Officer in the Patrol Division and later served as a Bicycle Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, K-9 Officer with my Black Lab, Miranda, and Master Patrolman, which is comparable to the role of Corporal today. During this time, I also served as a Reserve Task Force Officer with the Franklin County Narcotics Unit.

After many years in the Patrol Division, I was promoted to Detective within the department’s Detective Bureau, where I handled a wide range of investigations of varying complexity. As part of my assignment, I’m also an investigator with the St. Louis Area Major Case Squad.

A few years ago, I was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant and I’m currently the supervisor of the Detective Bureau, where I oversee three Detectives.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? As a teenager and recent high school graduate, I often spent weekend nights at the White Castle in Fenton. It was always entertaining. While there, I met several police officers from the St. Louis County Police Department who were working secondary employment assignments. One particular officer, a future St. Louis County Police Chief, would often be working on his college homework during meal breaks. I would often talk with him and the other officers about their experiences; it sparked my interest in law enforcement.

What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement and one thing you didn’t know until after you started? The one thing that the public should know about law enforcement is that officers are human too. We have feelings and emotions just like the citizens we serve and sometimes, we make mistakes too. No one is perfect.

As for the one thing I didn’t know until after I started my career in law enforcement, it would be the rollercoaster ride. The ups and downs of everything that we deal with. The career path, the judicial system, the emotional toll, the continuing education, our physical health and mental wellbeing, the public acceptance and scrutiny, our relationships with family and friends, and the list goes on

What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy my downtime with my wife, children, family, and friends. I enjoy fishing and hunting whenever I can. Though it seems lately the fishing has been taking precedence. I enjoy creating things as well. Whether it is woodworking, remodeling our home, or landscape work outdoors, I enjoy creating something others can enjoy. But when I just need to decompress, it’s as simple as a nice cigar while sitting on the back porch listening to the peace and quiet of nature.

Why We Serve

Name: Sgt. Chad Sloan #273

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from Treloar, Missouri and I graduated from Warrenton High School.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement and do you have any prior public safety experience? I worked in landscaping and security prior to starting in law enforcement. I worked for the Warren County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Officer and later as a Deputy after graduating from the police academy.

What academy did you go to? Eastern Missouri Police Academy.

When did you join Washington PD and why? 2002. Growing up in the area, I was always fond of Washington and the surrounding communities. I wanted to work close to home and felt raising a family in the community I serve would be a win/win. It has proven to be true.

What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? During my time at Warren County as a Deputy in their Patrol Division, I was also assigned to their STAR Team (SWAT) and was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

Since coming to Washington PD, I started out in the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer. After a few years in patrol, I transferred to the department’s DARE/SRO Unit and was assigned to the School District of Washington as a School Resource Officer for Washington High School. As part of my assignment, I also taught DARE at several are schools. I later transferred back to patrol and was eventually promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Currently, I oversee one of four patrol squads in the department.

As part of my assignment, I’m also an instructor in the following areas: Generalist (licensed to teach standard, non-specialized topics to academy recruits and officers), Defensive Tactics, Ground Control/PPCT, Pepper Spray, Baton, Handcuffing, WRAP, and Anti-Racial Profiling. For many years, I was the supervisor in charge of our Field Training Program.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? Public service has been a part of my family for generations and I believe it’s a calling for most people who do it. My grandfather was a police officer, my father is a retired paramedic, and, proudly, our oldest son is now a police officer as well.

I’ve known since childhood that this was the career path I wanted to pursue. I’ve always been drawn to the excitement and unpredictability of the profession, but even more so to the honor that comes with serving and protecting others.

What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement? One thing I wish the public understood about law enforcement is how many different roles officers are expected to fill on a daily basis. Most people see policing as simply enforcing laws and making arrests, but the reality is that officers wear many different hats throughout a single shift. They are often called upon to be problem solvers, counselors, mediators, investigators, social workers, crisis negotiators, and community advocates.

The profession requires a wide range of skills beyond traditional police work. Officers must be able to de-escalate tense situations, make quick decisions under extreme pressure, communicate effectively with people from all walks of life, and adapt to constantly changing circumstances. Much of this work happens behind the scenes and often goes unnoticed by the public.

Paul Harvey’s “Policeman” commentary still rings true today. If you’ve never heard it, I encourage you to give it a listen. We have incredible professionals who put on the uniform every day and do amazing things for their communities.

What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. This typically brings me to a ball field or gym to watch my kids compete in sports, but I also love boating, fishing, auto racing, cooking BBQ and an occasional round of golf.

Are you married? Kids? My wife, Lauren and I have been together over 26 years, we have 4 amazing kiddos and our first grandbaby on the way.

Pets? We have two dogs, Sadie and Murphy.

Day Shift 6/8/2026

Vehicle collision reported in the area of Bluff and Westlink Drive

Lower lot of the riverfront closed to traffic due to rising river level

🚨CANCEL NOTICE🚨
Due to inclement weather, swimming lessons at the Agnes Nolting Aquatic Complex scheduled for 10 AM have been canceled today.
We appreciate your understanding and will provide updates regarding any rescheduling information as it becomes available.
Thank you!

Why We Serve

Name: SRO Greg Garrett #263

Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I grew up in Augusta, Missouri, and graduated from Washington High School in 1998.

What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement? I worked at Mt. Pleasant Winery in several different roles.

What training academy did you attend and what public safety experience did you have? After graduating high school, I joined Washington PD as an Animal Control/Code Enforcement Officer. I later attended and graduated from the Eastern Missouri Police Academy. After graduating, I returned to Washington PD as a Reserve Police Officer and briefly resumed my duties as a civilian employee.

Shortly afterward, I accepted a full-time Patrol Officer position with the Hermann Police Department. For a short time, I also worked part-time with the Augusta Police Department.

When did you join Washington PD and why? I returned to Washington PD in 2002 as a Patrol Officer. Working for Washington had been a long-term goal since joining the department in 1994 as an Explorer with the Law Enforcement Exploring Program.

What is your current role within the department, and do you have any specialized training or assignments? When I returned in 2002, I started in the Patrol Division, serving as a Patrol Officer and later as a Field Training Officer. During those early years, I also worked as a bike officer, patrolling special events, downtown areas, and shopping centers on a mountain bike.

After several years in patrol, I transferred to the Traffic Safety Unit, where I handled traffic enforcement and crash investigations. During that assignment, I became a certified RADAR/LIDAR instructor and earned the title of Master Patrolman, a position similar to today’s Corporal rank. I held that title until it was eliminated during a departmental restructuring process.

I later returned to patrol before transferring to my current position in the department’s D.A.R.E./SRO Unit. I am currently assigned to the School District of Washington as the SRO for Washington High School. As part of that assignment, I taught D.A.R.E. to fifth-grade students at Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Francis Borgia, and South Point Elementary Schools. When school is out of session, I return to patrol or traffic safety depending on department needs and staffing levels.

In addition to my primary assignment, I’m a Drug Recognition Expert and serve on the department’s Honor Guard and Peer Support Teams. I also spent many years as an Assistant Advisor for the department’s Law Enforcement Exploring Program.

Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I chose law enforcement because it was something I wanted to do from an early age. My dad was a career police officer with the City of Florissant, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Although he tried many times to talk me out of it, he stopped once I told him I had been accepted into the police academy.

I also credit the officers at Washington PD during my time as an Explorer and civilian employee. They were outstanding role models, and I was fortunate to later work alongside several of them, including two who became my training officers and continued mentoring me long after I was released to solo patrol. Those experiences, along with my father’s example, helped shape how I view this profession and the responsibility that comes with it.

What’s one thing you wish the public understood about law enforcement, and one thing you didn’t know until after you started? I wish the public understood the cumulative impact of stress in this profession. Throughout a career (20-30 years), officers are exposed to higher rates of critical and traumatic incidents as compared to citizens while also managing the daily demands of the job and personal life. People sometimes forget that while we are dealing with everyone else’s problems, we still have to manage our own.

Over time, that can contribute to burnout, anxiety, depression, acute stress reactions, and hypervigilance. Despite our training and responsibilities, officers are still human and experience the same emotional and psychological challenges as anyone else. Peer support, counseling, and healthy off-duty activities can help keep those stressors in check.

That was something I did not fully understand before starting, and it was not discussed much in the academy at the time. Looking back, I better understand the concerns my father had about me entering law enforcement. I would still choose this career, but there are things I would have approached differently over the past 25 years.

What do you enjoy outside of work? I enjoy road trips, good BBQ, learning about history, target shooting, and hiking. Most of my free time is spent with my 5-year-old and 9-year-old.

Pets? I have a Black Lab named Finley and a Beaski named Dallas.