As he settles into his new role with the Independence Police Department, Chief Jerry Harrison is eager to meet more residents and learn about issues and concerns that are most important to the community when it comes to public safety and protection.
Harrison has scheduled a “Chief’s Chat” session for Wednesday, May 18, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Ane Mae’s Coffee & Sandwich House, 325 N. Penn. The informal, drop-in event is an opportunity for residents to meet Harrison and share ideas, thoughts, questions and concerns.
“Independence has shown me an incredibly warm welcome,” Harrison said. “I want to be accessible to our residents and help foster a strong partnership between our department and the community.”
Harrison assumed his post as the new Independence chief on March 28, relocating from Monett, Missouri, where he had served with that community’s police force for 19 years and achieved the rank of sergeant. He also has experience leading a variety of community outreach initiatives for the Monett department, including programs to enhance traffic safety and enforcement of laws related to driving while intoxicated. Prior to his public police career, he served eight years with the United States Army Reserve as an artilleryman and military policeman.