The End of an Era... Two Actually

It’s the end of an era for two City of Maplewood department heads. Both John Meyer, Public Works Superintendent, and Steve Kruse, Chief of Police retired on March 31, 2021.

Chief Kruse has been in law enforcement since the 1970’s- it’s the only job that he ever wanted to do! Kruse has served as Police Chief of Maplewood since 2009. In that time, he’s been a permanent fixture at the Chamber’s Summer Concert Series, always eager to provide his musical critique of the performing band. His favorite performer of all time is Bob Kuban and he was thrilled when they performed at a Maplewood concert in 2015. The Chamber has arranged for Kuban to make another appearance this spring at our May 26th concert in honor of Kruse’s retirement!

His retirement plans include doing more of what he loves including reading, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. For more information on Kruse’s career, click here for a recent article by Bill McClellan in the STL Post-Dispatch or click here for an article written by the Chamber in 2018, when he celebrated 10 years.

John Meyer retired after 4 decades of service to the City of Maplewood. Following in the footsteps of his father, Ben Meyer, John was hired by the Public Works Department in 1979. Throughout his 42+ year career he was promoted to Superintendent of the Public Works Department, overseeing the maintenance of streets, parks, sidewalks, and more.
John and his department play a crucial role in making Maplewood an attractive and safe place to work, live, and play. Under his leadership, we’re accustomed to our public streets being plowed in record times, spotless sidewalks and streets, and well maintained parks and public gathering spots. Thanks to Meyer’s cooperation and hard work, events like the Chamber’s Taste of Maplewood and the Christmas Tree Walk have been able to expand and grow exponentially in the last 10 years.

Meyer’s retirement plans include golfing, taking care of odd projects around the house, and spending time with his family. For more information on the Public Work’s Department’s significance to the Chamber, click here to read an article posted in 40 South News.