Colonel Robert Connell was promoted as the new Chief of Police and appointed as City Manager for the City of St. John on April 1, 2020 after serving as interim Police Chief starting January 1, 2020. Chief Connell also serves as the City's Emergency Management Director and President of the St. Charles Rock Road Community Improvement District.  

Chief Connell has been with the City of St. John for more than 21 years where he has served in Patrol, School Resource/D.A.R.E., Greater St. Louis Major Case Homicide Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Assistant Internal Affairs Director, Administrative Sergeant, Administrative Lieutenant, Internal Affairs Director, Accreditation Manager, Public Information Officer and Assistant Police Chief.

Chief Connell retired from the United States Army Reserves in 2011 as a Master Sergeant after nearly 25 years of service.  During his service he deployed overseas multiple times with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and is a combat veteran.  Chief Connell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication/Public Relations from Southwest Baptist University and a Master of Arts degree in Behavioral Science: Sociology/Criminal Justice from Lincoln University.  He holds a Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Virginia.  He also holds Chancellor Certificates in Municipal Planning & Zoning and Municipal Economic Development from the University of Missouri St. Louis.  Chief Connell is a graduate of the Missouri Police Chief's Command College (Class #6), the FBI's Law Enforcement Executive Development course, and the FBI National Academy (class #282).

Chief Connell looks forward to serving the St. John Community.  He is dedicated to preserving its traditions and home-town atmosphere.  He believes in quality service, transparency and positive growth for sustaining the future of St. John.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact him at City Hall.