BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – After 43 total years in law enforcement and 15 years as the City of Blue Springs, Police Chief Wayne McCoy has announced his retirement from the department, effective September 30, 2017. Chief McCoy is believed to be the longest-tenured Chief in the KC Metro area.
The Blue Springs Police Department is known for its partnership with the community and for its proactive encouragement of diversity and de-escalation approaches to policing. Under Chief McCoy’s guidance, the agency grew from 71 to 100 sworn police officers and became nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).
Chief McCoy rose through the ranks from Patrolman to Captain in Westerville, Ohio and then became the Chief of the Worthington, Ohio Police Department before coming to Blue Springs after a national search in 2002.
“It has been my honor to represent the men and women of the Blue Springs Police Department - they are simply the best. Their dedication and unselfish service can never fully be repaid,” said Chief McCoy. “Thanks to our continued partnership with our community, crime in Blue Springs has significantly decreased since 2001, even as Blue Springs’ population has grown substantially.”
During McCoy’s tenure, the focus on the community that is the legacy of BSPD through the Community and Youth Outreach Unit has expanded to include the Citizen Police Academy, Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program, Human Relations Commission, Face-to-Face Forums and many other community programs. Highlights also include the public support that provided funding for the department’s new radio system and the expanded Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building.
“Chief McCoy has been a consummate professional during his time in Blue Springs, providing consistent leadership that has moved the department forward. It’s through his guidance and development of his team, collaborative partnerships and passion for this community that BSPD is positioned to continue its outstanding tradition; with strong leadership throughout the department to ensure continuity and excellent community service for many years to come,” noted City Administrator Eric Johnson.