Chief Wes Coatney

03/08/2025

At Rotary Tuesday, someone said it to me again. “I don’t know how you guys do it.” I smile and just say, “we love what we do.” And that’s true. But there’s more.

Thursday night, we walked into a scene no child should ever have to endure. A tiny girl, sat in the middle of chaos—garbage piled in corners, the acrid stench of m**h seeping into every inch of the apartment, strangers coming and going, lost in their addictions. A place of neglect, of danger, of despair. But in the middle of it all, she sat. Innocent. Watching. Learning from the world around her.

And then a bang and the door opened.

My guys stepped inside, and in an instant, her eyes lit up. A spark of som**hing different. A fist bump here, a smile there. A moment of kindness in a world that has shown her so little. For just a little while, she got to see what good looks like. Not just in words, but in actions.

She saw strong men and women standing for what’s right. She saw protectors, not predators. She saw hope.

We say it all the time: “Go do good.”

Thursday night, these officers did exactly that. And maybe, just maybe, that little girl will remember what she saw. Maybe one day, she’ll know that she was worth more than the life she was born into. That she can choose som**hing better.

Because somewhere in the darkness of that apartment, a light flickered on. And sometimes, that’s all it takes.

That’s how we do it. Because I could never do anything else.

02/12/2025

Respectfully, we could all be doing this fist bump.

Fist bumps can change someone’s day.

01/08/2025

I gotta level with everyone, Sunday shook me up. I got a call from one of my guys in the middle of it and I could feel and hear his fear, but also his resolve to end this situation by whatever means necessary. That conversation will stay in my head forever like a recording.

I am so deeply honored to serve as a policeman. I never wanted to do anything else. But if you watched my interview on KSN out of Joplin, you probably caught me holding back tears as I talked about devine intervention. Yes, I’m honored to serve. But I’m even more humbled to serve as a follower of Christ who 100% protected my guys Sunday. You see, i’m not the only leader at AMPD. Every person who serves is a leader. Leadership is not just about authority or being at the top, it’s about service, humility, and stewardship. I fall short, but I try to operate with those principles in mind, not just for our department, but for the community we are blessed to protect.

1 Peter 5:2-4:
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

This passage inspires me, and I pray all my people, to serve with integrity and compassion, not for personal gain, but because it is the right thing to do in service to both God and our community.

Sometimes we get rattled. I’m certainly not immune to it. But when the dust settles and you look around and your guys are safe and unscathed, it’s incumbent on me as a Christian to recognize where that protection came from. Thank you Jesus. Thank you.

10/09/2024

This was a priority for me at AMPD and we got it done. If you’re with a department that hasn’t switched, push the issue. I wish I had this option all those years ago.

09/30/2024

What bothered you today?
Who made you mad today?
Who got on your nerves today?
What problem got you down today?
What issues hit your heart today?
Who said som**hing that frustrated you today?

Most of us, we don’t have problems. We’ve fallen victim to the comfort of having it made, and we’ve lost perspective. Do you have the fear this little boy has? Do you have the worry his mommy has? I bet it’s unlikely most of us has ever scratched the surface of what they’ve endured.

God bless, and join me in prayer for perspective. We all need it.

09/24/2024

As I just completed my 3rd year in Aurora, I wanted to reflect on my time as Chief of my favorite police department in the world. I had a strong urge to put these words out to my wife, Kate. She really is the motivation that keeps me pushing.

Kate,

As I reflect on my journey as a police chief and, more importantly, as a human being, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for your unwavering support and love. The person I am today is deeply shaped by the strength, compassion, and wisdom you have brought into my life.

In the demanding world of law enforcement, it’s easy to become hardened or overly focused on duty. But you’ve always been there to remind me of the humanity behind the badge. Your constant encouragement to approach every challenge with empathy has made me a better leader—one who listens more deeply, cares more genuinely, and strives to do what is right for both the community and the officers I work with.

Your strength in our personal life, balancing so much with grace, has been an example I carry with me into every situation I face at work. When difficult decisions arise, I think about how you handle adversity—with poise, patience, and perspective. It has inspired me to lead with a calm confidence, understanding that true leadership is not just about authority, but about serving others with integrity and compassion.

You’ve also taught me the value of self-reflection and vulnerability. In a profession that often requires me to be tough and stoic, you’ve given me a safe space to be myself. You remind me that it’s okay to admit when I’m unsure, to ask for help, and to trust others. This has not only strengthened our bond but has made me a more understanding and approachable member of my team.

I am a better man because of you. A better listener, a better leader, and a better servant to our community. I owe so much of my growth to the love and partnership we share.

Thank you for being my rock, my guide, and my greatest advocate. I look forward to continuing this journey together, becoming stronger as a team, and striving to make the world a better place—one day at a time.

I love you more

Wes

09/07/2024

❤️

08/26/2024

Got a call of a mean and vicious Pitt Bull this morning!

He WAS in fact engaged in dangerous behavior. He wanted to sit on my lap while I was driving him to the PD.

07/31/2024

What a team effort that was!

07/27/2024

Recently, the Supreme Court decided that cities could enact and enforce laws that ban sleeping outdoors, specifically targeting homeless people who often camp in parks and other public places.

Two questions:

Would you support such a law here in Aurora and Marionville?

Do you think this is an effective way to address homeless issues?

Be nice, respectful, and show different opinions grace and civility.

California Gov. Gavin Newsome says a Supreme Court ruling that cities can enforce bans on people sleeping outdoors in West Coast areas will give local officials more freedom to address the crisis.

07/26/2024

I try to moonwalk out of the spotlight sometimes and have lunch in a quiet place to get my thoughts and mental health in order. Somewhere to read some legal updates, policy forums, or even just the Bible sometimes. Somewhere to turn down the volume, turn down the speed of everything.

Bill Baker was kind enough to share a few minutes of the afternoon with me this week. “Go do good” bellows from his voice just as clearly now as it did in life. Go do good indeed sir.