Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette will be taking a medical leave of absence after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Scarlette will undergo treatment in St. Louis, where he will have his prostate removed; he will then require four to six weeks of recovery.
Assistant Chief Joshua Stuenkel will run the department in Scarlette’s absence. Scarlette is 46 and has a family history of prostate cancer.
He tells the State Journal-Register that three malignant tumors were discovered after routine testing.
Scarlette says he’s hopeful a “pro-active” approach to treatment will give him the best chance of a full recovery; make sure to undergo screening yourself as well!
