Editing Rock Hill, Missouri (section)

==Government==
Since 2003 the city administrator is no longer required to live in Rock Hill.<ref name="Plattner, unveils plans">{{cite news|last1=Plattner|first1=Diane|title=Police Officer Cites Safety Concerns On City Streets|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-07-07-175942.114137-sub-Police-Officer-Cites-Safety-Concerns-On-City-Streets.html|access-date=27 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=25 October 2002}}</ref> Larry Hensley served as city administrator from 1983 to September 2002.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Plattner|first1=Diane|title=Park Named After Larry Hensley|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-10-06-177190.114137-sub-Park-Named-After-Larry-Hensley.html|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=6 September 2002}}</ref> George Liyeos served as city administrator from September 2005 until his resignation in May 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Liyeos Named City Administrator|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2010-11-04-171931.113118-sub-George-Liyeos-Named-City-Administrator.html|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=26 August 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Rock Hill City Administrator Liyeos Resigns|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2014-04-24-192154.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-City-Administrator-Liyeos-Resigns.html|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=25 April 2014}}</ref> The Board of Aldermen appointed Jennifer Yackley as City Administrator in July.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Yackley Named City Administrator|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2014-07-17-192760.114137-sub-Yackley-Named-City-Administrator.html|access-date=19 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=18 July 2014}}</ref>

;Mayors
*1929 – 1934, Mils T. Oliver<ref name="Early" />
*1934 – 1935, Edw. Frauenfelder<ref name="Early" />
*1935 – 1938, Mils T. Oliver<ref name="Early" />
*1938 – May 1943, J. W. Cloud<ref name="Early" />
*May 1943 – April 1944, Joseph Spencer<ref name="Early" />
*April 1944 – April 1945, R. W. Keller<ref name="Early" />
*April 1945 – c. 1947, W. E. McDaniel<ref name="Early" />
*April 1947 – May 1953, H. W. Cook (''Died in office'')<ref name="Early" />
*August 1953 – c. 1956, Clarence Zahnow<ref name="Early" />
*April 1956 – c. 1960, Elmer A. Whitney. Elected in 1956 by write-in ballot.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/139976065/|title=Clayton and Berkeley|date=4 April 1956|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}</ref><ref name="Early" />
*April 1960 – April 1964, Edward Gebhardt<ref name="Early" />
*April 1964 – 1971, Lincoln L. Wagner<ref name="Early" />
*September 1971 – 1994, Jesse L. Stroup.<ref name="Stroup">{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Marty|title=Jesse Stroup: Former Rock Hill Mayor Dies Jan. 1|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2015-01-08-194243.114137-sub-Jesse-Stroup-Former-Rock-Hill-Mayor-Dies-Jan-1.html|access-date=17 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=9 January 2015}}</ref> Elected in September 1971 following the death of Wagner.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/140664983/|title=Mayor Is Elected|date=15 September 1971|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
*April 1994 – April 2002, Kennard O. Whitfield<ref>{{cite news|title=Election results|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/139547425/|access-date=16 June 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=7 April 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Marty|title=Whitfield Falls To Salamone In Mayoral Contest|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2011-11-17-177837.114137-sub-Whitfield-Falls-To-Salamone-In-Mayoral-Contest.html|access-date=16 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=5 April 2002}}</ref> President of the Missouri Conference of Black Mayors in 1997.<ref>{{cite news|title=Conference Of Black Mayors Meets Here|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/141791202/|access-date=16 June 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=22 April 1997}}</ref>
*April 2002 – August 2004, Robert Salamone (resigned). Defeated incumbent Whitfield under a campaign platform that promised "to save our city from financial ruin."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Marty|title=Rock Hill Election: Whitfield Faces Pair Of Challengers In April 2 Mayoral Race|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2011-11-17-177912.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-Election-Whitfield-Faces-Pair-Of-Challengers-In-April-2-Mayoral-Race.html|access-date=4 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=22 March 2002}}</ref> Resigned under a cloud of controversy in 2004. A 2005 state audit discovered Salamone had received a commission in excess of $33,600 from the city's pension firm.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Murphy|first1=Kevin|title=Former Rock Hill Mayor Charged With Public Corruption|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2010-08-17-170437.113118-sub-Former-Rock-Hill-Mayor-Charged-With-Public-Corruption.html|access-date=17 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=17 March 2006}}</ref> Salamone pled guilty and was sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay restitution in December 2006.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Guilty Pleas Entered By Former Rock Hill Mayor|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-Features-c-2006-12-21-65767.113117-sub-Guilty-Pleas-Entered-By-Former-Rock-Hill-Mayor.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=22 December 2006}}</ref>
*September 2004 (''appointed'') – April 2005, Mike Conran. Alderman appointed to replace interim mayor Edith Brown.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Marty|title=Alderman Mike Conran Takes Over As New Rock Hill Mayor|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2011-03-03-173832.114137-sub-Alderman-Mike-Conran-Takes-Over-As-New-Rock-Hill-Mayor.html|access-date=16 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=3 September 2004}}</ref>
*April 2005<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Marty|title=Morgan New Mayor Of Rock Hill|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2011-01-06-172836.113118-sub-Morgan-New-Mayor-Of-Rock-Hill.html|access-date=16 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=8 April 2005}}</ref> – April 2010,<ref name="DiPlacido sworn" /> Julie Morgan.
*April 2010 – May 2014, Daniel DiPlacido.<ref name="DiPlacido sworn">{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=DiPlacido Sworn In As Mayor; Morgan Honored|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2010-04-29-169483.113118-sub-DiPlacido-Sworn-In-As-Mayor-Morgan-Honored.html|access-date=19 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=30 April 2010}}</ref> Defeated incumbent and political rival Morgan on a campaign promising to respect property rights.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Marty|title=Political Foes Square Off In Rock Hill Mayor Race|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-Election-Coverage-c-2010-03-25-169141.113118-sub-Political-Foes-Square-Off-In-Rock-Hill-Mayor-Race.html|access-date=19 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=26 March 2010}}</ref>
*May 2014 – Present, Edward Mahan. Ran unopposed in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Marty|title=New Mayor Promises New Direction For City|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2014-04-17-192070.114137-sub-New-Mayor-Promises-New-Direction-For-City.html|access-date=16 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=18 April 2014}}</ref>

;City center
In 1940 voters passed a $11,000 bond issue to build a city hall and fire department headquarters. The project also received a federal grant.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rock Hill Votes $11,000 Bond Issue |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/573410240/?terms=%22rock%2Bhill%22 |access-date=28 October 2019 |work=St. Louis Globe-Democrat |date=30 October 1940}}</ref> The city hall on Rock Hill Road was dedicated in December 1941.<ref name="Early"/>

In 1958 the city purchased the Koehler property on Manchester Road for the construction of a new city hall.<ref name="Early"/> The city hall housing police, fire station and Rock Hill Library was dedicated in May 1965.<ref name="Early"/>

By 1996 the city said city hall was overcrowded and planned to relocate to Stroup Field, on the southeast corner of McKinley Avenue and Old Warson Road. Later that year, however, voters defeated a parks and drainage sales tax intended to help finance the move.<ref name="city hall 1996"/>

Rock Hill then proposed remodeling city hall. By September 1999 proposed remodeling costs grew from $1.15 million to nearly $1.68 million.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rock Hills City Hall remodeling budget up; library included|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/142595328/|access-date=16 June 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=16 December 1999}}</ref>

City hall expansion plans were suspended in December 2000 when [[Quebecor World]] began talks with city officials to acquire the city hall property for a potential expansion of Sayers Printing Company.<ref name="eyes">{{cite news|last1=Plattner|first1=Diane|title=Quebecor Eyes City Hall Property|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2012-04-05-179838.114137-sub-Quebecor-Eyes-City-Hall-Property.html|access-date=24 April 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=8 December 2000}}</ref> Talks soon fell apart and in April the city resumed planning for an expanded city center.<ref name="City hall expansion">{{cite news|last1=Plattner|first1=Diane|title=City Hall Expansion To Move Forward|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-12-29-178462.114137-sub-City-Hall-Expansion-To-Move-Forward.html|access-date=24 April 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=9 November 2001}}</ref> In August 2002 Quebecor World Sayers closed its 3.5-acre property.<ref name="Sayers closes"/>

Sayers' property was one of three options being considered for city hall's expansion in October 2002.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Plattner|first1=Diane|title=Mayor Unveils Development Plans At Recent Forum|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-09-15-176872.114137-sub-Mayor-Unveils-Development-Plans-At-Recent-Forum.html|access-date=16 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=25 October 2002}}</ref> In December Gerber selected the former Gerber site on McKnight Road for the $5.2 million project.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Plattner|first1=Diane|title=Gerber Site Chosen For New City Hall|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-08-25-176672.114137-sub-Gerber-Site-Chosen-For-New-City-Hall.html|access-date=16 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=6 December 2002}}</ref> In November 2003 the Board of Aldermen purchased the former Gerber property on McKnight Road for $1.75 million.<ref name="Sold Mills"/> The city planned to build a $13 million, 83,000 square-foot city center complete with an indoor pool, library, full gymnasium, and banquet facility that doubled as meeting space.<ref name="buying Gerber">{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Rock Hill Board OKs Purchase Of Site For City Center|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-06-02-175443.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-Board-OKs-Purchase-Of-Site-For-City-Center.html|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=12 September 2003}}</ref>

In May 2004 Rock Hill Chief Financial Officer Don Cary said overspending put the city on track for bankruptcy by 2010.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Rock Hill Facing Tough Financial Times|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-03-24-174256.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-Facing-Tough-Financial-Times.html|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=21 May 2004}}</ref> In June 2004 Mayor Robert Salamone abruptly announced his resignation effective in August, citing "individuals who seek to impede or even halt our efforts at improving our city."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Rock Hill Mayor To Resign|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-03-24-174229.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-Mayor-To-Resign.html|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=4 June 2004}}</ref> In October 2004 the city scaled back its plans for the McKnight site to administrative offices and a police station.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=City Center Scaled Back To City Offices|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-02-17-173616.114137-sub-City-Center-Scaled-Back-To-City-Offices.html|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=22 October 2004}}</ref> The city sold the site to Mills Properties for $1.950 million in February 2005.<ref name="Sold Mills">{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Mills To Purchase Former Gerber Site|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-01-13-173039.113118-sub-Mills-To-Purchase-Former-Gerber-Site.html|access-date=12 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=25 February 2005}}</ref> A state audit in September 2005 said the city lost some $700,000 on the property.<ref>Or possibly up to $2.7 million: the "eventual cost" including studies and various other costs.</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=McCaskill Presents State Audit Findings|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2010-10-21-171700.113118-sub-McCaskill-Presents-State-Audit-Findings.html|access-date=16 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=16 September 2005}}</ref>

City Hall moved into temporary retail space on Manchester in August 2005, then anticipated to be a temporary move lasting less than two years.<ref name="Manchester temp">{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=City Hall To Share Building With Police Department|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-07-07-175878.114137-sub-City-Hall-To-Share-Building-With-Police-Department.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=8 July 2011}}</ref> In September it sold its former city hall to Novice Companies for $3.67 million.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Rock Hill City Hall Moves To Temporary Home|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2010-11-04-171862.113118-sub-Rock-Hill-City-Hall-Moves-To-Temporary-Home.html|access-date=21 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=2 September 2005}}</ref> Also that year Rock Hill purchased five homes on North Rock Hill Road for construction of a permanent city hall. However, in March 2006 the city suspended its plans when it determined it was well short of the funds necessary to complete the project.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Update On South Side Of Market At McKnight Project|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2010-08-17-170425.113118-sub-Update-On-South-SIde-Of-Market-At-McKnight-Project.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=24 March 2006}}</ref> In 2008 Rock Hill sold the property to Arco National Construction Company for construction of the company's corporate headquarters.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Arco Wants More Residential For Office|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2008-06-12-77170.113117-sub-Arco-Wants-More-Residential-For-Office.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=5 September 2008}}</ref> In August 2011 city hall moved to Thornton.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=New City Hall To Cost More Than Projected|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-08-18-176484.114137-sub-New-City-Hall-To-Cost-More-Than-Projected.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=19 August 2011}}</ref>

In April 2016 voters approved a property tax rate increase to allow the city to issue $6.1 million in general obligation bonds.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Rock Hill Voters Overwhelmingly OK Prop R For New City Facilities|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-Election-Coverage-c-2016-04-07-198114.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-Voters-Overwhelmingly-OK-Prop-R-For-New-City-Facilities.html|access-date=17 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=8 April 2016}}</ref> In March 2017 the Board of Aldermen approved planning for a proposed municipal center — a 12,100-square-foot city hall and police and fire department — on Rock Hill Road.<ref>{{cite news|title=Planning board gives go-ahead to Rock Hill's municipal center|url=http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/planning-board-gives-go-ahead-to-rock-hill-s-municipal/article_a951f070-0766-5ef9-9924-65700241eb3d.html|access-date=23 April 2017|work=St. Louis-Post Dispatch|date=2 March 2017}}</ref> In May the city awarded a $5.5 million construction contract to K&S Associates.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Contract For New Rock Hill Municipal Complex Awarded|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2017-05-18-201100.114137-sub-Contract-For-New-Rock-Hill-Municipal-Complex-Awarded.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=19 May 2017}}</ref> Ceremonial ground breaking took place in June, with completion planned for late summer or early fall 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2017-06-08-201256.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-Breaks-Ground-On-Municipal-Complex.html|title=Rock Hill Breaks Ground On Municipal Complex|last=Jarrett|first=Linda|date=9 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times}}</ref>

;Rock Hill Public Library
The original library was opened in June 1944 on the second floor of the [[Fairfax House (Rock Hill, Missouri)|Fairfax House]]. The volunteer-run library was supported by donations and open two days a week. It was later moved to the first floor of Fairfax House. In 1947 the city voted to support the library with taxes after the library weathered a brief closure the previous year.<ref name="Library">{{Cite book|title=A History of Rock Hill|last=Blann|first=Celeste Wagner|publisher=Celeste Wagner Blann|year=1976|pages=52–54|chapter=Rock Hill Public Library}}</ref>

In 1957 [[Rock Hill Public Library]] moved into the former [[Lions Club]] building on Manchester Road. From 1963 to 1964 the library was temporarily relocated in the Rock Hill Presbyterian Church while the Manchester location was razed to construct a new city hall and library. The new library was dedicated in May 1965.<ref name="Library"/>

Kelley Sallade served as director of Rock Hill Public Library from December 1984 to March 2014. During her tenure the library acquired its first computers for patrons.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Marty|title=Sallade Closes Book On Rock Hill Library|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2014-03-20-191871.114137-sub-Sallade-Closes-Book-On-Rock-Hill-Library.html#123|access-date=23 April 2017|issue=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=14 March 2014}}</ref> In 1996 the library joined seven other county libraries to form the [[Municipal Library Consortium of St. Louis County|Municipal Library Consortium]].<ref>{{cite web|title=History of the Rock Hill Public Library|url=http://www.rockhillpubliclibrary.org/about-us/|publisher=Rock Hill Public Library|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807061504/http://www.rockhillpubliclibrary.org/about-us/|archive-date=7 August 2016|date=6 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2005 the library's 2,400-square-foot location at city hall was closed and later razed for the Market at McKnight development. In January 2006 the library reopened at a temporary 3,696-square foot space on Manchester Road.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2010-09-09-170795.113118-sub-Rock-Hill-Library-Opens-In-Colonial-Square.html|title=Rock Hill Library Opens In Colonial Square|last=Harris|first=Marty|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|access-date=2017-04-23|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2012 the library moved to a permanent 4456-square foot space at 9811 Manchester Road.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2012-04-26-180139.114137-sub-Library-Finds-New-Home-On-Manchester.html|title=Library Finds New Home On Manchester|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|access-date=2017-04-23|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Police and fire ===
In 2004 mayor Robert Salamone approached the city of [[Brentwood, Missouri|Brentwood]] about a possible takeover of Rock Hill police and fire services. The proposal was unpopular with Rock Hill residents.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Rock Hill Pursuing Efforts Toward New Police Force|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2011-03-24-174261.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-Pursuing-Efforts-Toward-New-Police-Force.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=21 May 2004}}</ref> In July the Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to keep police and fire services local. The Board of Aldermen also passed resolutions consolidating some police and fire positions under a safety administrator position.<ref name="Safety admin">{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Rock Hill Fire And Police Services To Stay|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2011-03-17-174050.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-Fire-And-Police-Services-To-Stay.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=23 July 2004}}</ref>

Police and fire moved to a residential property on Charleville Avenue when city hall on Manchester Road was razed in 2005.<ref name="Prop R">{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Rock Hill's Prop R Would Fund New City Facilities|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-Election-Coverage-c-2016-03-31-198046.114137-sub-Rock-Hills-Prop-R-Would-Fund-New-City-Facilities.html|access-date=28 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=1 April 2016}}</ref>

In June 2018 the Board of Aldermen voted to transfer administration of the city's uniformed employee [[pension]] plan to the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System.<ref name="LAGERS">{{cite news |last1=Jarrett |first1=Linda |title=LAGERS To Take Over Pension Plan For Rock Hill |url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-c-2018-06-07-204021.114137-sub-LAGERS-To-Take-Over-Pension-Plan-For-Rock-Hill.html |access-date=2 July 2018 |work=Webster-Kirkwood Times |date=8 June 2018}}</ref>

;Rock Hill Police Department
Roger Stephens was the village's first police officer, who was later served as Chief for 13 years. During Stephens' tenure the city purchased its first police motor car, a 1933 Ford V8. Marshall Whitecotton was appointed police chief c. 1944, then elected to eight additional two-year terms until his death in August 1966.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/142252996/|title=Marshall Whitecotton Dies; Rock Hill Police Chief|date=21 August 1966|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}</ref> Under Whitecotton, Brentwood cooperated with Rock Hill's motorized six-man department, which by then had two-way radios.<ref name="Early">{{Cite book|title=A History of Rock Hill|last=Blann|first=Celeste Wagner|publisher=Celeste Wagner Blann|year=1976|pages=1–10|chapter=Early History of Rock Hill}}</ref>

Bradford Epperson served as police chief from 1966 until his death in April 1978. He was President of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association in 1975.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/139480190/|title=Rock Hill Is Searching For New Chief Of Police|date=6 April 1978|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}</ref>

In 1973 Rock Hill voters made police chief an appointive position, having defeated a similar effort in 1966.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bruce W. Woodruff Victor in Kirkwood Proposals|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/140680297/|access-date=15 June 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=4 April 1973}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ballwin Voters Defeat Projects |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/142235438/?terms=%22rock%2Bhill%22%2Bannex |access-date=28 October 2019 |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=5 October 1966}}</ref> After Chief James Johnstone retired, a police committee recommended promoting acting police chief Mark Zimmer for the permanent position but the recommendation was rejected by aldermen.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/140764272/|title=Rock Hill To Disclose Choice For Police Chief|date=26 May 1983|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}</ref> Northwoods police chief Donald McDonald was appointed Rock Hill police chief in June 1983.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/140764597/|title=Northwoods Police Chief Named To Head Rock Hill Department|date=9 June 1983|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}</ref> Under his leadership Rock Hill became known for its aggressive enforcement of speed limits.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/obituaries/don-mcdonald-dies-rock-hill-police-chief-enforced-speed-limit/article_dd36a153-8518-53dd-a1ec-e8fc10ccf3f8.html|title=Don McDonald dies, Rock Hill police chief enforced speed limit}}</ref> He retired in June 1997.<ref name="city hall 1996">{{cite news|title=City Departments Must Live With Current Building|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/142652879/|access-date=16 June 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=14 November 1996}}</ref> A 2000 Missouri study on racial profiling at traffic stops indicated Rock Hill pulled over significantly fewer black drivers than the county. Over four months black drivers made up 10.6 percent of 1,499 police stops.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Skrivan|first1=Laurie|title=Profiling study bolsters blacks' charges|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/141169027/|access-date=13 June 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=2 June 2001}}</ref>

Between 1983 and 2009 Officer Ronald Zeigler issued an estimated 150,000 tickets, mostly to speeding drivers. He was Missouri City Traffic Officer of the Year in 1985, Rock Hill Officer of the Year five times, and the 2000 Traffic Officer of the Millennium. Zeigler retired in October 2009. He "put the city on the regional map as a place where speeding motorists could expect to pay for their ignorance of speed limits," according to the ''Webster-Kirkwood Times''.<ref name="Zeigler retirement">{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=A Ticket To Retirement|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-Features-c-2009-10-01-166931.113118-sub-A-Ticket-To-Retirement.html|access-date=23 April 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=2 October 2009}}</ref> In 2011 Ziegler returned part-time.<ref name="Ziegler returns">{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Anonymous Donor May Pay To Move Historic Church|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2011-06-30-175765.114137-sub-Anonymous-Donor-May-Pay-To-Move-Historic-Church.html|access-date=23 April 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=1 July 2011}}</ref>

In 2007 Rock Hill Police opened a substation inside a bank on Manchester Road.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Todd|title=Rock Hill Police get first substation|url=http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/rock-hill-police-get-first-substation/article_5cc13e84-70e6-55fc-82ff-aed4f87aba89.html|access-date=4 June 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=13 December 2007}}</ref>

Paul Arnett became police chief circa 2006.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Onstar Leads To Carjacking Suspects|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2010-08-05-170257.113118-sub-Onstar-Leads-To-Carjacking-Suspects.html|access-date=4 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=21 April 2006}}</ref> Previously he had served with the department for nearly 30 years.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shapiro|first1=Mary|title=150,000 traffic tickets later|url=http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/traffic-tickets-later/article_380870d3-0a48-505e-b849-47067f50fe8a.html|access-date=4 June 2017|work=Suburban Journals|date=13 October 2009}}</ref> The ''Webster-Kirkwood Times'', which published Arnett's crime dispatches (one of which appeared on [[Late Show with David Letterman|''David Letterman'']]) wrote that "writing a good crime report is hard. Almost as hard as doing police work. And Chief Arnett appears to have mastered both."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bufe|first1=Mary|title=The Story You Are About To Read Is True|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-Columnists-c-2008-05-15-76257.113117-sub-The-Story-You-Are-About-To-Read-Is-True.html|access-date=4 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=16 May 2008}}</ref> Arnett retired in March 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Donald Wickenhauser Takes Helm Of Police Department|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2013-09-05-189117.114137-sub-Donald-Wickenhauser-Takes-Helm-Of-Police-Department.html|access-date=4 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=6 September 2013}}</ref>

In April 2010 officer Matt Crosby was shot and paralyzed when he responded to a domestic disturbance call on Raritan Drive. The shooter received a life sentence with possibility for parole in September 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Byers|first1=Christine|title=Man gets life in prison for shooting that left Rock Hill officer paralyzed|url=http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-gets-life-in-prison-for-shooting-that-left-rock/article_12f60c96-0647-11e2-8194-0019bb30f31a.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=25 September 2012}}</ref>

;Rock Hill Fire Department
In October 1940 Rock Hill residents voted in favor of a bond issue creating a city fire service after a long-standing contract with Maplewood fire services ended. The fire station and city hall building was dedicated in December 1941.<ref name="Clubs">{{Cite book|title=A History of Rock Hill|last=Blann|first=Celeste Wagner|publisher=Celeste Wagner Blann|year=1976|pages=55–61|chapter=Clubs}}</ref>

John Kriska was fire chief circa 1990.<ref>{{cite news|title=First Fire Of 1990 Center in Richmond Heights|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/141303480/|access-date=13 June 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=1 January 2001}}</ref> He became safety administrator in 2004.<ref name="Safety admin"/>

In 2006 the fire department received a record 932 calls.<ref>{{cite news|title=2006 was busy for fire department|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/151848328/|access-date=13 June 2017|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=18 January 2007}}</ref> Current fire chief Kevin Halloran became chief c. 2008.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Forder|first1=Anna C.|title=Coping With The Aftermath Of Sept. 14 Flooding|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-Features-c-2008-10-02-81064.113117-sub-Coping-With-The-Aftermath-Of-Sept-14-Flooding.html|access-date=4 June 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=3 October 2008}}</ref>

In 2008 the city received a $237,000 grant from the [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] for a new fire truck.<ref name="DiPlacido sworn" /> Fire house offices moved from the Charleville Firehouse to City Hall on Thornton Avenue while a fire engine and ambulance continued to operate out of the Charleville. [[CVS Pharmacy]] asked for $1.5 million TIF on the city's behalf to build a new firehouse to replace the old, which would be demolished to build CVS.<ref name="TIF commission"/> In January 2013 the city TIF commission recommended against using TIF to finance the fire department's move.<ref name="TIF commission">{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Commission Rejects TIF For Fire House|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2013-01-24-184765.114137-sub-Commission-Rejects-TIF-For-Fire-House.html|access-date=28 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=25 January 2013}}</ref> In April 2013 the Board of Alderman left the fire department out of the $1.2 million TIF, instead splitting the amount three ways between CVS, Webster Groves School District and the city.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=Board Approves $1.2 Million Toward CVS Pharmacy Project|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2013-04-04-185930.114137-sub-Board-Approves-12-Million-Toward-CVS-Pharmacy-Project.html|access-date=28 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=5 April 2013}}</ref>

In August 2016 Rock Hill agreed to explore consolidating its fire command with [[Clayton, Missouri|Clayton]], [[Maplewood, Missouri|Maplewood]], [[Brentwood, Missouri|Brentwood]] and [[Richmond Heights, Missouri|Richmond Heights]],<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jarrett|first1=Linda|title=5 Cities Develop Joint Fire Command In Rock Hill|url=http://www.websterkirkwoodtimes.com/Articles-News-c-2016-08-18-199039.114137-sub-5-Cities-Develop-Joint-Fire-Command-In-Rock-Hill.html|access-date=20 May 2017|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|date=19 August 2016}}</ref> however in September 2017 Rock Hill left the agreement after studies suggested the joint command would cost the city more than double its fire department budget.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesnewspapers.com/Articles-News-c-2017-08-31-201857.114137-sub-Rock-Hill-Decides-Not-To-Join-Cities-In-Joint-Fire-Command.html|title=Rock Hill Decides Not To Join Cities In Joint Fire Command|last=Jarrett|first=Linda|work=Webster-Kirkwood Times|access-date=2018-05-16|language=en-US}}</ref>

August 21, 2018, was the grand opening of Rock Hill's new city hall, police and fire departments at 827 N. Rock Hill Road.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/news/rock-hill-unveils-new-city-facilities/article_043ff2b1-b96a-5b24-8cde-0e110c404c02.html|title=Rock Hill Unveils New City Facilities|last=Jarrett|first=Linda|website=Webster-Kirkwood Times, Inc.|language=en|access-date=2019-08-15}}</ref>