The City of Hollister will welcome a new leader for the Hollister Police Department on February 1, 2026, upon the retirement of current Chief Preston Schmidt.

Robert Stirewalt II, known to many as Bert, will join the City of Hollister after over 23 years of service with the Taney County Sheriff’s Department. While at the Taney County Sheriff’s Department, Chief Stirewalt progressed from a patrolman to a supervisor, culminating in his most recent role as a criminal investigator and shared, “My experience with the Taney County Sheriff's Office has equipped me with the skills needed to foster relationships within the community and with local law enforcement agencies, ensuring we collaborate effectively to keep the residents of our communities safe.”

On joining the City of Hollister Team, “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to join the Hollister Police Department and serve this wonderful community. I will strive to enhance the trust between officers and residents, build upon the department’s achievements, and ensure that Hollister continues to be a safe environment for living, working, and raising a family. I am committed to guiding the Hollister Police Department's growth into the future. Serving as Chief of Police for a law enforcement organization like Hollister's has long been a career aspiration of mine, and this opportunity allows me to draw upon every aspect of my professional journey thus far.”

“I understand and welcome the duties that have come with each position of law enforcement. I will guide these men and women through this change while also gaining valuable insights from them. The citizens of Hollister can be confident that we are committed to meeting the needs of our city while fostering a transparent and secure community for everyone.”

Chief Stirewalt has deep roots in southwest Missouri. Having grown up in WestPlains, he and his wife, Vanessa, moved to Taney County in 2002 and raised their four children, Courtney, Emily, Robert Jeremy, and Alexis.

Chief Stirewalt will start with the City of Hollister on December 1, 2025, in a training role as Chief Preston Schmidt finishes his tenure with the City of Hollister on January 31, 2026.

Please contact Deputy City Administrator Denise Olmstead at 417-337-8315 or email at dolmstead@hollistermo.gov with questions or for more information.

The above press release is from the Hollister government.