More than 100 people, many of them current or retired law enforcement officers from around the county, attended the July 29 ceremony to name the Pevely Police Station after former Chief Ron Weeks.
The Chief Ron Weeks Justice Center occupies the Police Department portion of Pevely City Hall, 401 Main St. The other portion houses municipal government offices and the City Hall chamber room.
Weeks, who retired in 2016 after 32 years as the city’s police chief and 38 years with the department, said the honor touched him.
“I guess I’m somewhat shocked,” he said. “I had no idea this was even happening (prior to being notified of the honor).
“It makes you reflect on all the people you’ve met and worked with, and the cases you worked on. Also, all the friends and associates.”
Weeks, 76, said he and his wife, Debbie, still live in Pevely.
Debbie said she realized what the recognition meant for her husband.
“I’m very proud of him,” she said. “He’s very excited. It’s well deserved. He worked very hard all those years.”
The ceremony took place in the City Hall chamber, where officials displayed a large plaque extolling Weeks’ career.
The plaque said in part, “Through his vision and dedication, the Pevely Police Department grew into a respected and progressive agency built upon excellence, accountability and community trust. His leadership guided the department through decades of growth, modernization and change while maintaining an unwavering commitment to the citizens he served.
“Chief Weeks earned the respect of his officers, colleagues and community through his character, mentorships and commitment to public service. His legacy continues to inspire those who serve and protect the city of Pevely.”
The plaque will be installed on the front of the Chief Ron Weeks Justice Center, city officials said.
Mayor Steve Markus opened the proceedings by praising Weeks for his many years of service, as well as crediting him with contributing to the design of the police station portion of the City Hall building.
“Many people may not realize how much of this facility exists because of his leadership,” Markus said. “He helped guide the planning, design and development of this police and city hall complex, which opened in 2008. He understood our officers deserved a facility that would allow them to serve this community safely and effectively – not just for that generation, but for generations to come.”
Chief Jamie Mayberry, the current Pevely chief of police, said while he never worked with Weeks, he and his officers understand the contributions Weeks made to the department.
“This is a very special day for the city of Pevely and for the Pevely Police Department,” he said. “We have the ability to honor a great chief of police, and being able to honor a truly extraordinary law enforcement leader is a great thing for everyone. He accomplished a lot of things and most likely no one will pass that, getting a chance to accomplish what he accomplished here.”
Mayberry during his time at the podium read a Pevely Board of Aldermen proclamation making July 29 “Chief Ron Weeks Day,” not just the day of the ceremony, but every year.
Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak noted all the people who came to wish Weeks well at the ceremony.
“You have a packed room and standing room only,” he said. “I think that speaks volumes about what people think of the chief. It’s validation for a job well done.”
Weeks officially retired Oct. 3, 2016.
He said he has mainly been taking it easy since he retired.
“I do things around the house,” Weeks said. “Babysit grandkids.”