Billings Police Chief Rich St. John Has Retired
The longtime leader concludes a 45-year law enforcement career as the department prepares for a new interim chief.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Billings Police Chief Rich St. John retired on September 30, 2026, marking the end of his two-decade tenure as the city's top law enforcement official. Assistant Chief Shawn Mayo will step into the role of interim chief starting October 1.
Why it matters
St. John's leadership saw the department secure two public safety levies, which facilitated significant growth in staffing, technology, and training resources for the city. His retirement signals a transition period for the Billings Police Department as new leadership takes the helm.
Rich St. John concludes a 45-year career in law enforcement, including 20 years serving as Billings Police Chief. The department successfully passed two public safety levies during his time in office to expand resources and officer counts.
The players
Rich St. John
He is the outgoing Billings Police Chief who served in the department since 1981.
Shawn Mayo
He is the current assistant chief who will serve as interim chief starting October 1, 2026.
The details
During his tenure, St. John focused on expanding the department by adding personnel and updating technology. He also implemented a specific leadership model intended to maintain accountability within the agency throughout his service.
Timeline
Rich St. John joined the Billings Police Department in 1981.
St. John was promoted to police chief in 2006.
Rich St. John officially retired on September 30, 2026.
Shawn Mayo assumes the role of interim chief on October 1, 2026.
Legal Context
The retirement of the chief marks a departure from the two-decade tenure established by the 2006 appointment of Rich St. John as Chief. This leadership change occurs as the department maintains the operational improvements established through two previously passed public safety levies.
Residents can expect a transition in department leadership as the interim chief takes over daily operations. The department continues to function using the resources and updated training protocols funded by the two public safety levies passed during St. John's time as chief.
The takeaway
The transition of police leadership represents a significant shift for the Billings community after 20 years of consistent management. Residents will see how the new interim leadership prioritizes the department's existing accountability model and resource utilization.
What happens next
Shawn Mayo is scheduled to officially assume the duties of interim chief on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local public safety, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Q2 News (KTVQ).
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