Sikeston DPS to hold testing for new officers, firefighters

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is looking for some people to serve as public safety officers or firefighters.

Those interested in working as a Sikeston DPS officer, who possess the qualities of a law enforcement officer or firefighter, can reserve their seat for testing that will take place Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. The testing will be held at Sikeston DPS headquarters and those who wish to test are asked to reserve their seat and get their application by 5 p.m. Aug. 11 by calling City of Sikeston HR Director Carrie Burgfeld at 573-475-3712.

Sikeston DPS offers a fast-paced environment.

Sgt. Tyler Rowe with Sikeston DPS says the department takes a proactive approach to law enforcement. Sikeston DPS officers went from 8-hour shifts to 10-hour shifts in July.

“Overall, I think people like it,” said Sikeston DPS Chief James McMillen in a news release to media. “I’ve talked to officers. They like the extra days off a month, but I think the overlap helps them write reports. It makes it a lot more flexible for their schedule.”

McMillen and Rowe say the 10-hour schedule offers a more stable schedule for officers with less of a likelihood of working overtime or being called in early or held over late.

Sikeston DPS Capt. Jon Broom says they are a technically advanced department and ue cutting-edge technology in law enforcement. He says they also offer many training opportunities, in Sikeston or other locations.

“Our department has a lot more opportunities and a lot of specialized units” McMillen said.

The department has school resource officers, detectives, the power squad, the Mobile Communications Unit, Homeland Security Response Team, canine officer, drone operations, peer support, Southeast Missouri CIT council and field training officer program.

There are grant-funded overtime opportunities and special details officers can volunteer for, like the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo.

“We also have three spots open in communications that if someone is under 21 and is computer savvy and like to talk to people and has a willingness to work on that side, they can start their career in communications,” Rowe said. “We’ve had several officers start their career in communications and then transition to the law enforcement end.”

The people chosen to be an officer for Sikeston DPS have one year to locate within 30 miles of Sikeston. Rowe says currently they have officers that live in Charleston, Dexter and Jackson.

Officers will have their equipment issued as well as receive a uniform allowance. They also receive “excellent retirement and health care benefits,” according to the department.