Donnell, Roscher sworn in as new Marshall police chief, assistant chief

From left, Russ Donnell looks on as his son, Mike Donnell, receives new insignia from Interim Police Chief Bob King after taking the oath of office to become Marshall's new police chief. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"I do," said Sgt. Mike Donnell.

"I stand relieved," King replied.

From left, Interim Police Chief Bob King looks on as Sharon Roscher pins new insignia on her husband, David Roscher, with help from his mother, Lorene Treece. Roscher was promoted from sergeant to major and takes over as assistant police chief, 24 years to the day that he began his career with the Marshall Police Department. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

And with that exchange, Donnell became Marshall's new police chief after 14 years involvement with the Marshall Police Department, two college degrees and a lifetime of interest in law enforcement.

Donnell said his career choice was inspired by his father, Russ Donnell, a retired pharmacist who heads the county Medical Reserve Corp and is the emergency planner for the Saline County Health Department. The elder Donnell also served for 30 years as a reserve police officer in Marshall.

"I grew up around it," Mike Donnell said of police work. "I decided this is the path I want to take."

He pursued his education, knowing that would help him rise through the ranks, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Missouri Valley College and a master's degree in business management from Lindenwood University.

Growing up in Marshall and starting his career here offers some advantages in his new position, he said.

"I understand the town. I know the people," he said. "And I have a vested interest in the community."

That "vested interest" includes extended and immediate family. He and his wife, Deanna, have two children, Kate, 5, and Jack, 2.

In the same ceremony, Sgt. David Roscher joined Donnell in taking the oath of office as assistant police chief, a role he's filled on an interim basis since March.

Roscher began his duties as permanent assistant chief Wednesday, Sept. 3, 24 years to the day that he began his career as a Marshall police officer, he said.

Roscher has served under at least four assistant chiefs, so when the opportunity came earlier this year for him to do the job, he was well prepared.

"Bob's done a good job," he said of King, who will retire later this year and will serve as an administrative advisor until then. "I just want to carry on the tradition."

Roscher is an Army veteran who served in Germany at a military policeman during the Vietnam war.

He is also is a licensed instructor who has offered courses for Missouri Sheriff's Academy and is director of his own training company, Public Safety Training Specialists.

Contact Eric Crump at marshalleditor@socket.net