Three candidates are seeking election as Perryville’s next City Marshal, also known as police chief, in the April 7 general municipal election.
All three candidates — Ryan Thieret, Jeri Cain and Dustin M. Miller — spoke during a recent candidate forum hosted by the Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce, outlining their experience and priorities for the department.
RYAN THIERET
Ryan Thieret brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience, having worked with multiple agencies, including the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Ste. Genevieve Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department and Shrewsbury Police Department.
A graduate of the Southeast Missouri Law Enforcement Academy in 2004, Thieret has served in a wide range of roles, including patrol officer, corporal, sergeant and detective. His experience includes working as a field training officer, evidence officer, defensive tactics instructor, drug court officer and terrorism liaison. He is also a member of the Major Case Squad in the St. Louis area, assisting in homicide investigations.
Thieret said his background across both small-town and larger departments gives him a broad perspective on leadership and policing.
“If I am elected police chief for Perryville, I will implement evidence-based policing using data-proven strategies for decision-making,” he said.
Among his priorities are restructuring the department based on data, updating what he described as outdated policies and strengthening community policing efforts. He emphasized building relationships with local stakeholders, including city officials and business owners.
Thieret said his experience has allowed him to see both effective and ineffective leadership styles and believes that exposure has prepared him to lead.
JERI CAIN
Jeri Cain has nearly 30 years of experience with the Perryville Police Department, where she has served under multiple chiefs and city administrators.
Cain began her career in 1996 as a community-oriented policing officer and has since taken on numerous roles, including field training officer, field training officer supervisor and public information officer. She has also received FBI training in community policing for rural communities.
She said her long tenure in Perryville has given her a deep understanding of both the department and the community it serves.
“I am not a politician,” Cain said. “I love talking about my community, and I love talking about my police department.”
Cain said her leadership would be guided by three key principles: transparency, accountability and integrity. She emphasized the importance of openly addressing mistakes and developing plans to correct them.
She also highlighted the importance of community engagement, noting that one of the most common concerns she hears is that residents do not know newer officers. Cain said she has worked to address that through training that emphasizes interaction and relationship- building.
Looking ahead, Cain said she wants to ensure the department grows alongside the city and continues to meet the needs of residents through strong training and updated policies.
DUSTIN M. MILLER
Dustin M. Miller has served with the Perryville Police Department since 2010 and previously worked with the Perry County Sheriff’s Department.
Miller said his approach to policing has been shaped early in his career by mentors who emphasized the importance of community and business relationships. He recalled being taught to regularly check on local businesses, particularly during overnight hours, to ensure safety and build trust.
“That instilled in me very early that businesses are here for us as well, and we should be there for them at any given time,” Miller said.
He has held roles as a traffic officer and currently serves as a shift supervisor, where he is responsible for leading other officers. His certifications include accident reconstruction, Taser instruction and Missouri Tox Type II operator and instructor.
Miller said he has focused on passing along his training and philosophy to younger officers and would continue that approach as chief.
“ I would love to hear ideas, ” he said. “ That’s what it’s all about — you hear ideas, and you move forward.”
Miller emphasized his commitment to community policing, saying that while the department already engages with the public, there is always room for improvement. He said he would work closely with residents and businesses to strengthen relationships and enhance public safety.
Voters will choose one candidate for City Marshal in the April 7 election.
