Glendale Police Chief Announces Retirement
Thursday, 03 March 2011 14:07

After more than 42 years of service to the City of Glendale, Police Chief Richard Black has announced his retirement effective April 30, 2011.

 
Chief Black joined the Glendale Police Department in January 1969 after serving his country in the United States Army. He was promoted to Sergeant in September 1971 and to Chief on April 21, 1986.
 
During his career, Chief Black has distinguished himself in the law enforcement community as a dedicated leader committed to the highest ideals of professional law enforcement with a passion for community policing and personalized service to residents. Under his leadership, the Department has implemented technological advances and best practices in law enforcement, achieved in part with a variety of grants. Chief Black is best known by the Department’s rank and file for his constant attention to their well being and professional development.
 
Chief Black holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Maryville University and graduated from the FBI National Academy in June of 1987. He has held a number of key leadership positions in both law enforcement and community based organizations. This service includes being President of the Professional Investigators Council and the Kirkwood Rotary Club, actively participating in the Missouri Police Chief’s Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the St. Louis Area Police Chiefs Association. He also dedicated 30 years of his life to officiating high school athletics and served as President of the St. Louis Officials Association and was the recipient of the prestigious Harold Booth Award for Excellence in Officiating. In January of this year, he was inducted into the St. Louis Officials Association Hall of Fame.
 
In 2009, Chief Black was chosen from among his peers across the State of Missouri as the Missouri Police Chief of the Year. This award is presented annually by the Missouri Police Chief’s Association in recognition of an individual’s extraordinary service and performance of his duties.  Also in 2009, the Glendale Police Department received the East-West Gateway Council of Government’s Outstanding Local Government Achievement Award for the Department’s role in the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a program Chief Black was instrumental in initiating.
 
Chief Black and his wife of 41 years, Mary, have three grown children, Matt, Katie, and Alicia, and five grandchildren. He plans on splitting his retirement years between his homes in Glendale and Florida. Chief Black and his wife are active members of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
 
The City of Glendale is grateful to Chief Black for his many years of loyal service to his fellow citizens of Glendale and wish him the very best in his retirement. Plans are being finalized for members of the community to congratulate Chief Black on his retirement later this spring.