Columbia gets new deputy chief of police
Dresner was previously the interim chief.
Published April 23, 2009
Capt. Tom Dresner was promoted to deputy police chief of the Columbia Police Department on Wednesday.
Police Chief Kenneth Burton asked the Columbia City Council to create the position in its meeting on Monday. Dresner served as interim chief while the committee that would eventually hire Burton searched for a permanent chief.
City Manager Bill Watkins said he supports Burton's choice for the new position.
"Tom has served well as interim chief," Watkins said. "I have no doubt that Chief Burton made a good choice."
Dresner acted as the interim police chief from July 2008, after Randy Boehm retired, until January 2009, when Burton was hired.
City Council members said they supported Dresner's appointment to the position.
"I have been impressed with Capt. Dresner's dedication to the City of Columbia for many years," Second Ward City Councilman Jason Thornhill said. "It came as no surprise to me that the department began to make immediate improvements in several areas shortly after he assumed the role of interim chief."
Dresner has worked in the department for 24 years. In 1983, Chief William Dye appointed him as a sergeant in 1984 after he started at the department as a reserve officer.
Dresner and Burton could not be reached for comment.
As a police sergeant, Dresner supervised the Personnel Development Unit, which is responsible for recruitment and training.
Dresner has a bachelor's degree in journalism from MU and worked on some graduate coursework here.
Dresner's background in police tactical operations makes him knowledgeable in instruction and training.
"The new position will allow the city to have a qualified and knowledgeable backup to the current chief should we ever need one, as this creates an identifiable No. 2," Thornhill said. "I can't say that I know enough about the police department structure to tell you if it was necessary, but in listening to their reasoning, I agree that his role will be beneficial to the department."
With current economic conditions, CPD had the option of hiring two more captains, but Burton pushed for a deputy chief instead.
"Our police department actually has a couple positions that have not been filled, namely Capt. Mike Martin's spot after his retirement," Thornhill said. "This will enable the department to bump up Capt. Dresner's current salary to reflect the additional responsibilities he will be taking on without a negative effect on the overall department budget."
As deputy police chief, Dresner will receive an annual salary of $99,682, a news release stated.
"I believe Capt. Dresner's reputation in the community is stellar and have heard nothing but praise for him and the way he handles himself," Thornhill said.