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The latest episode of Bartlesville Chief Chat airs on KWON AM 1400, FM 93.3, 95.1 FM and KWONTV.com.

Chief Tracy Roles made his monthly appearance to announce the retirement of Joe Tucker, who has served in the Bartlesville Police Department's (BPD) Records Division for 36 years. Roles says Tucker has also served in dispatch. He says they are going to miss Joe's experience and knowledge.

While the BPD is sad for Tucker's departure, Chief Roles says she has earned her retirement. He says they hope Tucker enjoys a long, healthy retirement.

Tucker's last day with the BPD is Friday, July 29. A retirement party will be held that afternoon at the police department.

Chief Roles says Tucker stayed consistent in an always evolving world. He says Tucker always showed up to work with a hardworking, dedicated attitude toward her profession.

Replacing Tucker will be difficult. Chief Roles says they will begin interviews for the position on Wednesday. Roles says they have had 35 applicants for the job already. He says this is a great place to begin.

On June 30, the BPD had one open position. However, they had nine openings the next day. Chief Roles says this was a blessing because of the Bartlesville City Council's diligence to add more officers. Roles says the City of Bartlesville is mindful of public safety, and for that he is grateful.

Seven of the nine positions are being filled presently. Chief Roles says one of the hopeful officers is taking CLEET classes in Enid while another recruit is getting set to graduate from CLEET and go into field training for 16 weeks starting on Friday. Roles says another officer is transferring to the BPD from Houston. He says there are three of five potential hires that have had their background checks approved so far. If all five make in through the background checks and hiring process, only two positions will remain open.

Chief Roles says they are excited to bring new people on board. Roles says these hires will bring their staffing numbers up from 67 to 74 sworn police officers. He says this moves the BPD closer to Oklahoma's average capita of officers per citizens.

Bartlesville is a unique place. Chief Roles says the people that move to Bartlesville move here intentionally because they want to be here. He says the BPD will always play on all the great reasons to be in Bartlesville when they recruit officers.

Apart from hiring, the BPD hosted its very first Youth Police Academy last week for 13 to 18 year olds. Chief Roles says 10 young people participated in the three day event, which is similar to their Citizen Academy. He says it is important to develop relationships with young people.

Chief Roles says gaining the trust and understanding of today's youth starts with being intentional in going to their environment. He says opportunities such as the Youth Academy allow for relationships to grow between the police department and our kiddos.

This was a way for law enforcement to foster relationships with local youth and give them first-hand experience of what officers do on a daily basis. This also shows the youth that there is a person behind the badge and the uniform.

Plans are already underway for the next Youth Academy. Chief Roles says he loves the positive feedback they have received from this year's program. He says they hope to double the event in size and participation next summer.

One final note, the next monthly community meeting with the BPD will be held at the Greater First Baptist Church on Thursday, July 28, at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 10th and Jennings. Chief Roles invites you to come out and communicate with your police department. He invites everyone to ask questions.

You can watch the latest episode of Bartlesville Chief Chat below: