After 41 years with the Festus Police Department, Chief Tim Lewis retired April 30.
At the April 24 Festus City Council meeting, Mayor Sam Richards thanked Lewis for his service to the city. Richards also spoke about his appreciation for Lewis at a city-sponsored retirement luncheon for the chief on April 28 at First United Methodist Church of Festus-Crystal City.
“I think we’ve become the best (law enforcement) agency in the state,” Richards said while giving Lewis a plaque commemorating his career during the council meeting.
At the retirement luncheon, Richards gave Lewis more praise.
“As the chief, he embraced new technology as it became available and upgraded equipment for the officers. From the time he took over to now, he supervised the (growth) of the Police Department, making sure the officers had the very latest safety equipment and training so they could remain safe on the job.”
Richards also wished Lewis good luck in his retirement.
Lewis announced in May 2022 he intended to retire.
About 50 people attended the April 28 luncheon, including Lewis, his wife, Linda, and their daughters, Madison and Haley.
Lewis, 63, of Festus said he intends to keep busy in retirement after taking a bit of time to relax.
“For the first month or so, I’m just going to chill,” he said. “(Afterward) I will do some work for the Missouri Police Chiefs Association. And, the Knights of Columbus has some things lined up for me.”
He said he also would like to travel to visit family.
Lewis said that while he looks forward to his retirement, he has some concerns about adapting to the change.
“I’m a little apprehensive, not because I’m worried about leaving, but entering a new chapter in life,” he said.
Lewis said the toughest part of retiring is leaving behind his co-workers after so many years.
“I will miss the people I worked with dearly,” Lewis said. “They’ve been a big part of my life for 40 years.”
Madison Lewis, who was an infant when her father was named Festus Police chief in 1998, said she will need to adjust to her father’s retirement.
“The weirdest thing is, I’ve always told people my dad’s the police chief of Festus,” she said. “My whole life, he’s been the chief of police.”
Doug Wendel, 53, who took over as the Festus Police chief on Monday, said he intends to keep the department moving in the right direction.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to lead by his example and try to keep Festus as one of the premiere departments in the St. Louis area,” Wendel said.
He said he hopes Lewis enjoys his retirement.
“I want to wish him good luck in his retirement,” Wendel said. “He had a very long and prosperous career.”
Wendel joined the Festus Police in 1995 and was made its captain, essentially second in command, in 2017.
Lewis’ final annual salary as chief was $108,876. Wendel is being paid $107,016 a year.