Wentzville Announces Upcoming Police Department Leadership Transition 

 The City of Wentzville has announced that Police Chief Paul West will retire in November, concluding a 46-year career in law enforcement, including 14 years of service to the City of Wentzville. 

During its meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 12, the Wentzville Board of Aldermen approved Mayor Nick Guccione’s appointment of Major Leon Burton as the City’s next Chief of Police. Burton, who currently serves as Assistant Chief of Police, will assume the role following West’s retirement in November. 

West joined the Wentzville Police Department as Assistant Chief of Police in 2012 after nearly three decades with the City of St. Charles Police Department. He was appointed Wentzville’s Chief of Police in May 2020 and has led the department for the past six years. 

Burton joined the Wentzville Police Department in 2001 and has served in numerous roles during his 25-year career with the City, including motorcycle officer, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He was promoted to Major and Assistant Chief of Police in 2020. 

“On behalf of the Board of Aldermen and myself, I want to thank Chief Paul West for his leadership and decades of service to the profession and to Wentzville,” Mayor Nick Guccione said. “Major Burton has dedicated 25 years to serving the Wentzville community, and his experience, integrity and commitment to public service have prepared him well for this role. Promoting from within reflects the strength of our organization and our commitment to developing exceptional leaders. I look forward to a seamless transition as we continue building on the strong foundation he has established.” 

Over the next several months, West and Burton will work together to ensure continuity in leadership ahead of the transition in November.