Message from the Chief
A Season of Gratitude, Service, and Good Will
No matter how you celebrate the holiday season-whether through Christmas, Hanukkah, or other cherished traditions-we hope this time of year finds you surrounded by family, friends, faith, generosity, and goodwill. The holidays are an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters: one another.
As Chief of Police, I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the dedicated men and women of the Parsons Police Department. Our officers and professional staff serve this community with integrity, compassion, and professionalism every day of the year. While their work often happens quietly and without recognition, their commitment to public safety and community service never wavers. I encourage our residents to take a moment-especially during the holidays-to thank them when you see them. Those words of appreciation matter more than you may realize.
I am equally grateful to the Parsons community for its continued support and partnership. Policing is most effective when it is rooted in trust and collaboration, and our community consistently demonstrates that shared commitment to making Parsons a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.
This holiday season, that spirit of generosity and partnership has been on full display. Thanks to community support, Operation Warm Shield successfully provided winter coats and cold-weather clothing to 100 Parsons schoolchildren, ensuring they stay warm during the cold months ahead. We also deeply appreciate the strong attendance and community enthusiasm at the Christmas Concert featuring Duke Mason and his Band, which brought neighbors together through music and celebration. Additionally, our annual Shop With a Cop event once again created lasting memories for local children and families-moments of joy that truly define the meaning of the season. We have also been able to make donations to the Parsons High School Golf Club and to the Labette High School Wrestling Team. And this year we kicked off a new endowed scholarship for criminal justice and leadership major (multi-diciplinary) at Labette Community College, which we want to continue to grow.
These initiatives, along with many other outreach and community engagement programs, are made possible through generous donations and partnerships. Contributions to support these efforts are accepted through the Parsons Police Legacy Fund at the Parsons Area Community Foundation, and we are sincerely thankful to everyone who gives their time, resources, and support. You can learn more at: https://www.parsonspdks.gov/legacy-fund
As many families travel during the holidays, I also want to offer a reminder about safety-especially when winter weather is a factor. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends the following winter driving precautions:
Avoid risky driving behaviors
1. Do not text or drive distracted
2. Obey posted speed limits
3. Always wear your seat belt
Stock your vehicle with emergency supplies
1. Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper
2. Jumper cables or a jump pack, flashlight, and flares or emergency markers
3. Cell phone and charger, water, food, and necessary medications
Ensure your vehicle is in proper working condition
1. Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights
2. Ensure windshield wipers are working properly and washer fluid is full
For additional information on winter driving safety, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips
On behalf of the entire staff at your Parsons Police Department, thank you for your continued trust, support, and partnership. May this season bring you peace, safety, and joy, and may the coming year be filled with health, hope, and opportunity.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and warm holiday wishes to you and your family.
Chief Robert Spinks, MA, MS
Parsons Police Department
