The City of Trenton has announced the appointment of Thomas “Tommy” Wright of Jefferson County, Missouri as the next Police Chief of Trenton. Wright was selected from over fifty applications submitted nationwide.

Wright, with an address of Hillsboro, currently serves as a Lieutenant for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office in their Professional Standards Unit. He has worked in a variety of units there such as the jail, detectives, the emergency response team, drug task force, road patrol, Dare Officer, and as an undercover narcotics detective.

Trenton Mayor Nick McHargue said Wright was selected for "his outstanding work history, leadership ability, and ability to communicate".

Doctor McHargue said city officials are "really excited about Wright joining the city management team".

Wright was approved on a unanimous vote at a special meeting of the City Council Monday night. He and another individual were interviewed in person at the meeting. City Administrator Kerry Sampson said the police personnel board screened the applicants and recommended THREE for interviews with the Mayor and council.

Sampson said the Monday evening meeting “did not work out” for one of applicants. He indicated six to eight persons received preliminary interviews—some by telephone. Wright, who is currently employed in Jefferson County, will begin his duties at Trenton October 22nd. He will have a starting salary of 64-thousand dollars. Trenton has been without a police chief for six months (since April), with the department led by Lieutenant Rex Ross during that period.

Ross was praised by both Mayor McHargue and the Trenton City Council for an outstanding job. Former police chief Bob Lewis resigned April 6th.