Eric Schmitt Named New Branson Police Chief

Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 10:35 AM

By Scott McCaulley @smcckc

New Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt speaks at the press conference with his family looking on. (Photos by Scott McCaulley)

The interim Police Chief for Branson will now take over the role fulltime.

In a press conference Thursday morning at City Hall, City Administrator Cathy Stepp announces the promotion of Eric Schmitt to Police Chief to replace Jeff Matthews, who resigned earlier this week after being placed on Administrative Leave along with Police Sgt. Pat Gray in October.

Schmitt came to Branson in 2017 around the same time Matthews had began his tenure as Police Chief. Schmitt had worked in Law Enforcement in the metro Denver area before coming to Branson.

Schmitt took time to lay out his plans and direction for the police department, emphasizing continued growth in the staffing of the department as well as moving forward with the plans for the new Public Safety Facility at the former White House Theater and equipping officers with the best equipment.

Schmitt also talked about continuing to develop good relations with the community both locally and the visitors that come to the region.

Stepp along with Mayor Larry Milton and State Representative Brian Seitz also spoke at the Thursday morning press conference which can be heard below:

Eric Schmitt with Branson City Administrator Cathy Stepp and Mayor Larry Milton

WAYS TO LISTEN

More from Local News

Active Weather for the Week, Weekend

The National Weather Service continues to update information on showers and thunderstorms hitting the Lakes Region over the next several days.
Sides Pleads Not Guilty in Taney County Case

A man who has faced many legal issues over the past 10 plus years was in Taney County Court on Tuesday.
Incoming storms expected to bring high winds, large hail, and flooding to Mark Twain National Forest

Rolla, Mo., (April 1, 2025) — The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted a severe weather event moving through Missouri over the next few days. These storm systems could result in six to fifteen inches of precipitation over parts of the state. Forest Service personnel are preparing for the event and will be closely monitoring the water levels of local creeks and rivers as the storms move into and through the area. Predictions also include chances of high winds and hail. Please stay tuned in to local weather stations for timely and accurate local weather conditions and updates.
Severe Weather, Rain Chances Increasing

National Weather Service forecasters continue to monitor the potential for severe thunderstorms over the next few days plus a chance of heavier rain going into the weekend.
College of the Ozarks students experience new Global War on Terrorism Tour

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. – College of the Ozarks students returned last week from a visit to New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as part of a new College-led initiative, called The Global War on Terrorism Tour, which took place March 9 – 15.

Ways To Listen to KCAX Branson 4U

Download The App that Fits Your Lifestyle

Click the links below if you have an Apple or Android phone to download our app. This will let you listen to us no matter where you are. On the lake? No problem, In another country? No problem. If you use Alexa at home, just say "Alexa, Play Branson4u" no matter where you live.
Apple store
Download here if you have an Apple device, including iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
This will place our app directly on the desktop of your device, making it easy to
access with just a click. Plus, our app is compatible with Apple CarPlay, so you can
seamlessly use it in your car too!
Google Play
Download here if you have an Android device, including phone, tablet, or computer.
This will place our app directly on the home screen of your device, making it easy to
access with just a tap. Plus, our app is compatible with Android Auto, so you can seamlessly
use it in your car too!
Alexa
If you use Alexa at home, just say "Alexa, Play Branson4u" no matter where you live.
Download Alexa here!