
Dexter, MO - Newly appointed Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout held a luncheon on Friday, April 16, 2021 for the Dexter Police Department.
Randy Kinder Excavating provided the meal to the police officers and the food was catered by Dhafer's Steakhouse & Fine Dining in Dexter.
The 2020 Police Officer of the Year was announced during the luncheon.
"This officer has shown an aggressive proactive approach which has led to numerous drug arrests over the past year," commented Chief Trout.
"With his dedication to keeping our community safe, it is our honor to give this award," continued Trout.
The 2020 Dexter Police Department Officer of the Year is Corey Martinez.

Dexter, MO - Newly appointed Dexter Police Chief, Hank Trout, held a luncheon on Friday, April 16, 2021 for the Dexter Police Department.
Randy Kinder Excavating provided the meal to the police officers and the food was catered by Dhafer's Steakhouse & Fine Dining in Dexter.
The Dexter Police Department 2020 Communication Officer of the Year was presented during the luncheon.
"This dispatcher has shown a willingness to learn and she has demonstrated that she has the skill set to become a great dispater," commented Trout.
"We appreciate your hard work and dedication to our department," he continued.
The 2020 Communication Officer of the Year was awarded to Brittany Bryant.

Dexter, MO - The Dexter Elks hosted their annual Student of the Year Banquet on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
Each year the Dexter Elks choose two students to represent seven Stoddard County Schools each month. The students along with their families and high school counselors are invited to a meal prepared and provided by the Elks Lodge members.
Dexter Elks Student of the Month/Year Co-chairperson Dennis Carmack lead the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer to open the banquet.
The keynote speaker was David Wyman of Essex.
Pictured are the Students of the Month (not all students were able to attend because of sports and other obligations):
Representing Bell City: Mia Dembowski and Austin Hunt
Representing Bloomfield: Abigail Pyland and Parker Heaton
Representing Dexter: Layne Medler and Damon Stearns
Representing Bernie: Sarah Ellenburg and Landon Zoll
Representing Richland: Shelby Mayabb and Devin Duffie
Representing Advance: Nyah Wilson and Landon Dailey
Representing Puxico: Madison McMeans and Caleb Robinson
The female Student of the Year is Sarah Ellenburg of Bernie and the male Student of the Year is Austin Hunt of Bell City.
Photo submitted.

Dexter, MO - The Dexter Board of Aldermen met in closed executive session on Monday, April 12, 2021 appointing Hank Trout as Dexter's Police Chief.
Trevor Pulley retired as police chief to be named Dexter's City Administrator also during the meeting.
Trout graduated the Missouri Law Enforcement Academy in 1988 with over 33 years of law enforcement. He joined the Army and was stationed at Ft. Leonardwood where he was a military police officer.
He is married to wife, Renee of 36 years and they have two children in college, Nicholas and Megan.
In 2006 Trout became the commander of the Stoddard County Major Case Squad.
"I am thankful for this opportunity to become the Chief of Police at Dexter," commented Trout. "I am very appreciative of Trevor who had the confidence in my abilities to handle this job and to recommend me for this position."
"I know I have some big shoes to fill and it is strange as a new chief I don't have an agenda on the first day," continued Trout. "That's because Trevor left the department in such great shape. We have outstanding officers, dispatchers, and staff."
"I have worked in law enforcement for 33 years," stated Trout. "I want to continue that leadership that Trevor instilled and continue to serve the community as well."

Dexter, MO - The Dexter Board of Aldermen met in closed executive session on Monday, April 12, 2021. The results of that meeting were Mr. Trevor Pulley was appointed as City Administrator.
In addition Mr. Pulley retired as Dexter Police Chief around 6:40 p.m. on Monday, after serving nearly 33 years in law enforcement, the last three as Dexter's police chief.
Mr. Hank Trout was appointed as the new police chief.
Pulley is married to Starla Pulley and has three children, Caleb Pulley, Cameron Pulley, and Taylor Wady. He and his wife will celebrate 30 years of marriage this year!
He graduated from the Missouri Law Enforcement Academy in June 1989 and has served with the Dexter Police Department for 20 years. On April 6, 2021 he celebrated his 3rd anniversary as Dexter's Police Chief.
"There were three things I wanted to accomplish once I became police chief," stated Pulley. "I have accomplishment them all. they include a new state of the art dispatch area, a new evidence room, and a new training room/emergency response/center building. I am pretty pleased with all three."
Pulley replaced long time city administrator Mark Stidham, who passed from Covid-19 in December 2020.