THIRTEEN-YEAR VETERAN OF JACKSON POLICE WILL TAKE OVER DUTIES AS CHIEF

JACKSON -- Marvin Sides, a 13-year veteran of the Jackson Police Department, has been appointed the city's new police chief.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen has named Sides, 46, to replace Larry Koenig, who vacated the position to become director of personnel for the city of Jackson.

Sides worked as a shift supervisor in the department before officially taking over his new duties today.

"I felt it was time to make a move in this phase of my law enforcement career," said Sides. "With the job opening up as a result of Larry's move over to city hall, it afforded me the opportunity to make that move."

Sides, who has also worked in route sales, joined the Jackson Police Department in 1981 at the behest of a friend.

"I got involved in police work through a friend who was - and still is - on the police department. There was an opening and he suggested that I apply," said Sides.

Sides worked as a rookie patrolman/dispatcher before becoming a full-time patrolman. In 1991, he was promoted to shift supervisor and sergeant.

He is a 1965 graduate of Jackson High School, and attended Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff. Sides has completed numerous law enforcement training courses, including the National Police Institute at Warrensburg, and specialized courses conducted by the Missouri Highway Patrol and federal law enforcement agencies.

Sides said he does not anticipate any major changes within the department. He said, "Chief Koenig left me a well-run department. I expect a very smooth transition with no major changes. The citizens of Jackson can expect to see the same quality of service the department has provided and they have come to expect."

Commenting on the appointment, Mayor Paul Sander said, "We're very happy to have the police department back at full strength. We're very pleased with the work that Chief Koenig did, and with the overall operation of the police department, and hope that Marvin can continue the good traditions of the Jackson police department.

Sander said City Administrator Carl Talley made the recommendation for Sides' appointment as police chief to the board of aldermen. His appointment was approved Monday night.