08/17/2026
22 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE! 👮♀️💙
On August 10th, 2026, Detective Missy Tharp celebrated 22 years of service with the Rose Hill Police Department!
Missy began her law enforcement career with the Andover Police Department, where she spent nine years as a 911 dispatcher before joining Rose Hill PD in 2004. During her 22 years with our department, she has spent the first 10 years serving on road patrol and the last 12 years in Investigations, where she has found her true calling in working cases involving crimes against children.
Her passion for protecting children extends well beyond her work at the department. Missy has been a longtime supporter and advocate for the Child Advocacy Center, serving on its Advisory Board and as a valued member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team. Her dedication, loyalty and willingness to always step up have made her an invaluable part of that team and of our community.
Throughout her career, Detective Tharp has worn more than a few hats at Rose Hill PD. She currently serves as our Public Information Officer, Reserve Officer Liaison, Community Events Coordinator, Evidence Custodian, Internal Affairs Investigator, Recruitment/Background Investigator, Social Media Manager, Field Training Officer and Bicycle Patrol Officer, a program she helped establish.
She has also continued to serve our community through countless events and organizations, including the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Bowl for Kids' Sake, No Shave November, Save Jane and the Buckaroo Ball for Child Abuse Prevention. She is also an active member of the Rose Hill 9/11 Memorial Committee and the FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team.
Among her many accomplishments, Detective Tharp has received two lifesaving awards, a 20-Year Safe Driver Award, numerous Police Commendations and countless letters of appreciation.
But awards only tell part of the story.
For 22 years, Missy has demonstrated what it means to serve, not only through her work as a police officer and detective, but through her compassion for victims, especially children, her commitment to her fellow officers and her willingness to take on whatever job needs to be done.
Detective Tharp, thank you for 22 years of dedication, compassion and service to the City of Rose Hill and the people you protect. Your contributions have made a lasting difference in our department and our community.
Congratulations, Detective Tharp, on 22 years of outstanding service! 🎉👏💙
