Collinsville Police Department reshuffles after Jeremias’ retirement

By Randy Pierce • Two promotions within its command level ranks and the hiring of two new officers have been announced by the Collinsville Police Department as occurring earlier this month.

Sergeant Scott Pritchett has been moved into the position of administrative lieutenant and Patrol Officer Kevin Tisch is now taking over the role formerly held by Pritchett as a patrol squad leader. The lieutenant job was vacated with the recent retirement of Wilbert “Bud” Jeremias.

The newly hired officers include Brayden Dreyer, who will attend the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy in Belleville for 16 weeks before formally coming on board with the Collinsville department.

Brayden Dreyer, left, and Collinsville Chief of Police Brett Boerm. (Photo courtesy of the Collinsville Police Dept.)

Also newly hired is Cody Sinclair who worked for two years in a similar position for the Maryville Police Department where he received an excellence award last year. Because he is what is considered a “lateral” hire and has previous sworn law enforcement officer experience, Sinclair does not have to complete academy training like Dreyer.

Cody Sinclair, left, and Collinsville Chief of Police Brett Boerm. (Photo courtesy of the Collinsville Police Dept.)

Members of the Collinsville Board of Fire and Police Commissioners Jaimie Carradini and Steve Huelscher handled the responsibilities of swearing in the new officers.

Yet another new addition to the Collinsville PD is K9 Officer Cyna, an all-black Belgian Malanois who was named after professional wrestler John Cena because of her toughness. She and her handler, Officer Connor Diecker, recently completed training together.

Collinsville Police Department Officer Connor Diecker, left, and K9 Officer Cyna. (Photo courtesy of the Collinsville Police Dept.)