Former Joplin police chief announces run for Newton County sheriff

Former Joplin Police Chief Matt Stewart has announced his intention to run for Newton County Sheriff in 2024.

Stewart will appear on the primary ballot on August 6.

He is currently the Executive Director of the Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri. Prior to that he spent 20 years with the Joplin Police Department.

During his time with JPD, he served as a field training officer, Patrol Corporal, SWAT entry team, SWAT team leader, SWAT tactical coordinator, Patrol Sergeant, Training Sergeant, Internal Affairs Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Special Enforcement Bureau Captain, Support Services Captain, Assistant Police Chief and Police Chief.

He retired from the department in January 2020 after serving nearly four years as the police chief.

Stewart attended the police academy at Missouri Southern State University and graduated from MSSU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in criminal justice administration and an associate degree in law enforcement.

Current Newton County Sheriff Chris Jennings is serving in his second four-year term.