A retired De Soto Police officer will take over the reins as the city’s new police chief on June 1.
De Soto City Council members voted unanimously on May 19 to hire Brent Steger, 59, of Jackson as the new chief, replacing Jeff McCreary, who is retiring June 1.
City Manager Todd Melkus said eight candidates applied for the job, and the hiring committee, which consisted of him and the five members of the De Soto City Council, interviewed four people.
Steger’s salary will be $90,000. McCreary’s salary was $89,480, Melkus said.
“The council agreed unanimously for me to appoint Brent Steger as the new chief of police,” Melkus said Tuesday. “Under the city manager form of government, I do have the authority to make this appointment. I was more than happy that the council desired to be proactive and wanted to be involved in this process.”
He said Steger has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and previously worked for the De Soto Police for six years.
“Mr. Steger reiterated to the council that a major priority for himself and the department will be to get out in the community more and build those relationships with residents and business owners,” Melkus said.
Steger started his career as a police officer for the St. Louis Housing Authority in 1990. He also worked for Cape Girardeau and Crystal City before retiring as detective sergeant in 2024 from De Soto.
“I’m excited,” said Steger, a New Hamburg native. “I was contacted by the community, council (members) and officers. I basically had support so I felt like I would put my name in the hat and see what happens.”
Mayor Kathy Smith said Steger will do a fantastic job as chief.
“He is well known in the community,” Smith said. “People have a lot of respect for him. And with him, respect goes both ways. He was always out and about in the community talking to people. That is why so many people knew him. I think he will be a huge asset to the police department. I think the police department will be in good hands.”
McCreary, 63, has served as police chief since 2018. He announced plans to retire in April after 40 years in law enforcement. He previously served as Crystal City police chief from 2009-2014.