Recognizing Chief Daniel H. Whiteley

Floor Speech

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Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Danny Whiteley who will soon retire after proudly serving as Poplar Bluff's Police Chief for 22 years.

Chief Whiteley is the proud husband to Gale Whiteley of 53 years and father to Jason Whiteley and Erika Boucher. Chief Whiteley also has 3 wonderful grandchildren. He has served the community as Mayor Pro Tem and as a member of the Poplar Bluff City Council. Additionally, he has served on the Poplar Bluff School Board, the Public Water District Board, and the Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport Board. Chief Whiteley is currently serving as project director for the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force and is on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Police Chiefs' Association. Prior to his career serving the community, he was a professional rodeo athlete and toured the country competing in many events, including bull riding and steer wrestling.

As the longest-serving police chief in Poplar Bluff history, it is obvious to the Poplar Bluff community that Chief Whiteley loved and took great pride in his job. He has never wavered in his commitment to serving and protecting the town in which he grew up and has always been there for the community during challenging times. He did not limit himself to only working with local law enforcement, but reached out to other law enforcement agencies at the state and federal level to share his knowledge and offer his assistance to help make a positive difference in communities far beyond Poplar Bluff. Thanks to his innovative approach and strong leadership, he transformed the Poplar Bluff Police Department into a 21st century law enforcement agency, an achievement that will benefit the city for years to come.

Chief Whiteley is retiring after successfully moving the police department into their new facility. The residents of Poplar Bluff are sad to see Chief Whiteley go, but also hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement. We thank him for over two decades of outstanding service and for selflessly protecting Missouri. I thank Chief Whiteley.

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