Editor’s note: In recognition of National Police Week, Sunday, May 15, through Saturday, May 21, 2016, Chief of Police Brian Melton was invited to submit this article and photographs of the Morrison Police Department staff.
This year, the Morrison Police Department continued with a staffing level of six full-time sworn officers, which includes the Chief of Police, with no designated support staff. Occasionally, the Police Department utilizes staff of the City’s Administration when needed. Due to the retirement of Sgt. Paul Beck in April 2010, the staffing level of the Police Department was reduced by one–from seven to six–due to the economy and the financial status of the City. In an effort to provide an opportunity for the community to know its Police Department a little better, we offer some basic information. Each man was asked to provide information about himself.
This is a public introduction of those dedicated and professional members of the Morrison Police Department.
Chief of Police Brian Melton: Brian Melton was born in Freeport, IL, and grew up in nearby Lanark, Carroll County, IL. He attended Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, earning a Bachelor’s Degree of Applied Sciences in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. After college, he joined the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office in Galena, IL, where he worked for 18 years. While with that Sheriff’s Office, Melton served as a Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant, Chief Deputy, and, during 2006, Interim Sheriff. In 2002, Chief Melton was invited to attend the 208th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ National Academy in Quantico, VA. He was appointed as Chief of Police for the City of Morrison in January 2009, with his first day being February 1, 2009. Along with his wife, Carrie, and two children, Emma and Isaac, Chief Melton moved to Morrison in March 2009.
Sergeant Kevin Soenksen: Kevin Soenksen was born in Clinton, IA, and graduated from Clinton High School, where he participated in Football, Baseball, and Student Council. He enlisted with the United States Coast Guard in the summer of 1997. He served on the USCG Cutter Munro and was part of several high profile boat seizures, including the PRC Fishing Vessel Chih Yung, which was attempting to transport 273 illegal Chinese migrants through San Diego, CA. Soenksen finished his enlistment stationed at Sector Detroit in 2001. His various duties while enlisted where Boarding Team member, Small Boat crewman, Damage Control Petty Officer, and Surface Rescue Swimmer. He was hired by the Morrison Police Department in 2001, ultimately resigning his position in 2008 for family reasons. Kevin was employed by the Fulton Police Department from 2008 until April 2011. During his tenure Soenksen was a member of the Gateway Area Hazardous Entry Approach Team (H.E.A.T.) He was re-hired by the Morrison Police Department in April 2011 and was promoted to Sergeant on May 2, 2016. Kevin is also currently assigned as the Evidence Officer and TASER Instructor. He has been nicknamed “Rudy” by his peers, due to his strong Irish heritage and beliefs. Kevin has two children, Cole and Mason, and resides in Morrison with his wife, Shawnelle, and four step-daughters, Jordan, Ellie, Gracyn, and Jacie.
Police Officer Gabe Gomez: Gabe Gomez was born in Chicago, IL, and moved to Morrison in 1974. Gabe first worked for the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office from 1985 to 1991 and then became a Police Officer for the Village of Prophetstown, IL, in 1991. In 1994 Gabe came to the Morrison Police Department, where he now serves as the Department’s D.A.R.E. Officer.
Police Officer Dan Simmons: Dan Simmons started with the Morrison Police Department in 2004, having previous experience with the Clinton, IA, Police Department. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Clinton Community College. Dan is the Range Officer for the Department.
Police Officer Curt Workman: Curt Workman started with the Morrison Police Department in 2008. He graduated from Morrison High School then attended Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, earning a Bachelor’s Degree of Applied Sciences in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration.
Police Officer Lonnie Smith: Lonnie Smith started full-time with the Morrison Police Department in July 2014; he was previously a part-time officer. Lonnie graduated from Dixon High School and started his law enforcement career in Amboy, IL. He also worked for the Ashton, IL, Police Department and, most recently, the Fulton, IL, Police Department.
Morrison Police Department utilizes Part-Time Officers on an “as needed” basis. They are listed with the name of their full-time agency:
- Jed Renkes (Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office)
- Kris Schmidt (Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office)
- Tim Palen (Attorney, Private Practice)
- Roger Drey (Retired, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.)