Staff writer
New Florence Police Chief Michael Stone wants to build a trusting relationship with the community, especially children.
“If people trust you, they’ll come to you,” he said Friday.
Stone began as police chief Thursday. His law enforcement experience includes four years with Kansas Department of Corrections and eight years with the Butler County sheriff’s department. He also served in the Army for eight years.
He wants to prevent crime instead of responding to it, and the first step is for police to be seen and active in the community, he said. He also thinks providing safe alternatives will help children stay out of trouble.
“I’d really like to get a plan set up for the kids here,” he said.
The police chief position had been vacant since former chief Conroy Miller resigned Feb. 17.
He has a wife, Alicia, and three children: Michael, 17; Bradley, 13; and Cheyenne, 8. He plans to move to Florence as soon as he can find the right house for his family.