News Releases

November 2005

The Sheriff's Department, once again, is sponsoring two campaigns this year to help the less fortunate. The Department is collecting food for a canned food drive and toys for the Toys for Tots program. Bring your canned food and unwrapped toys to either the 1st floor of the Carnahan Courthouse or the 8th floor of the Civil Courts Building by December 16th. We are counting on your generosity to brighten the holiday season for local families. Give a little, gain a lot.

 

July 2005

The St. Louis Sheriff's Department will begin processing applications for permits to carry concealed weapons on August 1, 2005. Interested persons should call 622-4851 on or after July 25, 2005 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please check the gun permits page for eligibility requirements.

 

July 2004

Congratulations to the New Graduates - On July 20, 2004 sixteen new Deputies graduated from this year's St. Louis Sheriff's Academy. The new graduates are: Micah Bagby, Alex Greco, Clinton Griffin, Bill Hague, John Hanlen, Chris Jones, Elaine Miller, Jeff Montgomery, Chapelle Norise, Alphonso Pate, Joshua Portell, Joe Rodriguez, Marvin Smith, Matt Tesreau, Tony Westbrook, and Sam Zito.

First Place Honors - On March 13, 2004 the 35th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade was held. Once again the Sheriff's Department participated and, once again, the Sheriff's Department was a winner. This year the Sheriff's Department won first place for the "Best Fraternal Organization Float". That makes 4 trophies since the year 2000 for the St. Louis Sheriff's Department, with all of them being 1st place finishes.

MDSA News - The 3rd Annual "Swing for the Kids" Gold Tournament sponsored by the Missouri Deputy Sheriff's Association has been scheduled for October 8, 2004 at Union Hills Golf Course in Pevely, MO. Tee time is 10:00am. All proceeds go to helping kids have a Christmas that may not have one otherwise.

Rookie Receives A Commendation - Newly certified and graduated Chris Jones received a commendation during the graduation ceremony which was held on July 20th. A few weeks earlier, while en route to one of his classes at the St. Louis Police Academy stopped for gas. Upon entering the lot, he noticed that the station was being robbed. Deputy Jones then proceeded to interrupt to the robbery, apprehended the suspect, and detained him until the police arrived. The suspect was arrested and charged with armed criminal action and robber.

February 2004

Benjamin L. Goins - Everyone is devastated by the untimely death of Ben Goins. Ben was well liked and respected by everyone with whom he made contact. His abundant common sense and unceasing support of the Democratic Party will be greatly missed. As Sheriff, Ben was instrumental in instituting a deputy training program and the use of prisoner transport vehicles. He also started and designed the Deputy's uniforms that are still worn today. Our thoughts are with his family.

A Job Well Done - The Christmas canned goods and toy drive was a huge success. Four boxes of food and a vast assortment of toys were taken over to a needy family by Deputy Roger "Santa Claus" Fitzgerald and Deputy Alice Nicolas. The remainder of the canned goods, which totaled about 7 cases, were delivered to Father Dempsey Charities. The remainder of the toys were donated to the Ronald McDonald House for their McGift program.

Daffodil Days - The American Cancer Society holds its annual fundraiser by selling bunches of daffodils. This year the Sheriff's Department took part in this fundraising event for cancer. In the first three days we have raised well over $500.00. We should all be proud of what we accomplished, especially when we all worked together.

December 2003

MDSA - The Missouri Deputy Sheriffs' Association sponsored "Shop with a Deputy" on December 6th at the Wal-Mart store in Sullivan , MO. There were seventeen children who were accompanied by some 25 Deputies from Franklin County, Crawford County, and the City of St. Louis. Each child was paired with a Deputy or two and were given one hundred dollars to spend as well as a turkey for their family. After shopping they were treated to lunch at Diary Queen. All this was made possible by various fundraisers held during the year, with the Golf Tournament being the major contributor. The St. Louis Sheriff's Department was represented by Sheriff Jim Murphy, Major Greg Thomas, Lieutenant Ray Harris, Chris Canava, Earlene Eckert, Neil Hogan, Rich Konsevich, Neil Reilly, and Lou Schopper.

In Memorium - Deputy Sheriff Tom Burke died on November 22 after suffering a heart attack a few weeks earlier. Tom joined the Sheriff's Department in June after retiring from the St. Louis Fire Department. Tom was well liked by his friends and relatives. He always had a smile on his face and befriended everyone. In the short time he was a member of our Department, he made a lot of new friends in and around the courthouse. Tom will be greatly missed.

Survivor - Sheriff Murphy was presented with an American flag made by Vietnam vet Marion Juslon. Marion suffered depression and had both legs amputated after the war. Since 9/11, he has given away over 200 American flags which he makes out of wood. The flag proudly hangs in the Sheriff's home.

October 2003

MDSA - For three days in September, the annual MDSA Training conference was held in the Lake of the Ozarks. Participating deputies received an intense three days of training and hard work. Neil Hogan from the City of St. Louis Sheriff's Department was elected as Sergeant of Arms.

Swing for the Kids - The second annual Swing for the Kids Golf Tournament was held at Sugar Creek Country Club on October 1. Former Governor Roger Wilson participated along with Democratic candidate for Senate Charles Berry. Also participating this year was Sheriff Murphy, City Marshal Ron Hill, and one of our Circuit Court Judges. The MDSA and the kids thank all who participated.

July 2003

New Location - The Municipal Courts Building at 1320 Market Street is officially closed for business. All offices previously housed there have moved to the Carnahan Courthouse at 1114 Market Street.

A New Deacon - Congratulations to Deputy/Reverend Mr. James Murphey who was ordained by Archbishop Justin Rigali to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate. Murphey will serve as deacon at Immaculate heart of Mary Church.