Joplin Police honor retiring Chief Sloan Rowland

Joplin Police honored retiring Chief Sloan Rowland Friday, just days ahead of his final shift.

Rowland has served 35 years in law enforcement, with the last 20 years being at JPD.

Rowland was named to the position of Chief back in December of 2019.

The city of Joplin says Chief Rowland started his career as an EMT working for the Cherokee County KS ambulance service. In 1987, Chief started his law enforcement career as a patrolman for Galena KS. With his strong leadership skills, he moved through the ranks to become the Police Chief for Galena in 1995. During this time, Rowland continued his military service and had several deployments.

After serving Galena, in July 1999, Chief transitioned to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department where he took the lead for all drug investigations. In 2003 Rowland joined the Joplin Police Department as a Police Officer, was promoted to Corporal in 2005, to Sergeant in 2007, to Lieutenant in 2012, to Assistant Chief in 2016, and finally as Police Chief in 2019.

Assistant Chief Brian Lewis will serve as interim Police Chief and the City will initiate a search process to fill the position on a permanent basis.

Thank you for your service Chief Rowland!