Active and retired law enforcement officers from the Moniteau and Morgan County sheriff's departments, Missouri State Troopers and the Tipton Police Department were in attendance at the Fortuna Senior Citizens Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner held Thursday, April 12, at the Senior Citizens Center. Also in attendance were Rep. Rodney Schad and Rev. Richard Parker, pastor at Fortuna United Methodist Church, as well as candidates for Moniteau County Sheriff Chris Dunham, Dale Embry and Tony Wheatley who introduced themselves.
Giving reports for their groups were Missouri State Troop F Captain Greg Kindle, Tipton City Marshal Leo Petree, Morgan County Sheriff Jim Petty and Moniteau County Sheriff Jeptha "Jay" Gump, who is also running for re-election. Moniteau County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Kevin Morse has attended the dinner for the past four years.
"This is a nice thing they do every year," Morse said. "It shows the officers people do care about what we do and the hours we put into the community."
For more of this story check out the April 18 issue of the California Democrat.