After nearly 30 years, Daoud hanging up cuffs

By Melonie Roberts Special to the Monett Monthly

After nearly 30 years of fighting crime and keeping the residents of Monett safe, Chief George Daoud has hung up his handcuffs.

City officials hosted a reception in his honor on Friday, July 31, at the Monett Park Casino.

“Thank you so much for the overwhelming support that’s here,” Daoud said. “If it wasn’t for the support from the community, from the City Council, from our staff, especially from my family, I couldn’t be here today. In the 26 years I’ve been here, I don’t usually talk about myself; I’m not going to start now. But I will tell you a little bit about how I got here, right?

“Ten years ago, the Chief of Police position came open, and Tim Schweder left. I was lucky enough to be able to test with about 14 other people from seven states, and the Council had enough belief in me that they selected me to take over this organization. I hope I fulfilled my obligations to them successfully. My goal was to make this place better than when I received it, right? Even if it’s just one step, that’s the right way.

“Our staff is absolutely phenomenal. This community couldn’t be luckier to have the people that they have working in the Police Department, serving you, the community here, in public safety, and keeping you guys safe through your support of them, helping them do their jobs. That has led to great leadership within the department, and a long, sustainable police department that I think will make this community proud to serve them throughout the remainder of time, long after I’m gone.

“So, what I’m telling you is, I thank you for everything you guys have done. I thank you for this group of people here who are present, who have sent me messages, and I look forward to the future opportunities of myself personally growing, and to the department there.

“I want to thank my family. They gave up more than anybody else. The personal time that you guys have for weekends, nights, holidays, all those things, family gatherings we don’t get to see…and I’m ready to see them a little bit more. So, with that, I’m saying thank you to my wife, to my family, that’s put up with that. Thank you to them. Thank you, you guys, for everything you’ve done. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people. Monett’s given me more opportunities than I deserve, and I know that, and I appreciate it. So, thank you all.”

Monett Mayor Randy Burke then shared his thoughts with those in attendance.

“Today, we’re here to do two things. The first is to honor Chief Daoud’s commitment, his professionalism, his integrity, but most of all, his leadership,” he said. ““Now, Missouri State Law tells cities what they can and cannot do, but the one thing — one of the few things they say you must do — is provide public safety.

“Now, in Monett, it’s the Police Department, it’s also the Fire Department, and it’s also Emergency Management. It’s the heart of city government, and it’s the heart of Monett. And we have exceptional public safety here in Monett. And Chief Daoud, more than anyone, by a large margin, and he’s been doing it for a long time, deserves the credit for that here in Monett. So, thank you, Chief Daoud.”

Burke went on to note some of the best attributes of the department.

”When I think of the Monett Police Department, I think of integrity, and I think of professionalism,” he said. “And it’s not because they just give off that impression, but it’s because that’s who they are. And it takes an exceptional leader to be able to instill that. That leadership in the department, I want to thank you guys for all that you do for the City of Monett. And I thank you for your leadership that goes across, not just emergency services, but all of Monett. So, I appreciate it, you’re an exceptional leader.”

Burke then invited Daoud to make his final call, a tradition in many military and public safety organizations. Daoud keyed his radio for the final call.

“301 Central, end of tour of duty,” he said. “Have a great afternoon.”

A dispatcher responded.

“Barry County Central, all cars, all listening stations, stand by for 301 retirement last call for 301. Barry County Central, all cars, all listening stations: Chief George Daoud, 301, after 29 years of honorable and dedicated service in law enforcement, your final watch has come to an end. Of those 29 years, 26 were proudly served with the Monett Police Department, including the past 10 years as Chief of Police.

“Throughout your time with Monett, you protected the citizens, served the community with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. Beginning your career as a patrolman in the Sarcoxie Police Department, continuing with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and ultimately making your home with the Monett Police Department, you dedicated your life to protecting others. Your hard work, leadership, and perseverance earned you every rank, serving as Patrolman, Corporal, Sergeant, Detective, and ultimately, Chief of Police.

“On behalf of Barry County Central Dispatch, your fellow officers, first responders, and the citizens whose lives you’ve touched, thank you for your 29 years of faithful service. It’s been an honor to serve alongside you.

“Chief George Daoud, 301, your final call has been answered. You may go off duty, secure in the knowledge that your legacy will continue through those you have led, mentored, and inspired. Enjoy your next chapter, Chief. We’ll take the watch from here.

“301 off duty for the final time, 13:44.”

Sgt. Dennis Camp was then sworn in as Interim Chief, vowing to support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, and the ordinances of the City of Monett.

“Now, while it’s interim, the authority and the confidence of myself and the Council is now transferred to Chief Camp,” Burke said. “I present Chief Dennis Camp, Chief of Police of Monett.”

Guests, city officials and representatives from area police departments, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Barry County Sheriff’s Office were then invited to socialize and give their best wishes to the retiring chief.