ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – A St. Charles County police officer is going above his normal call of duty and helping some reptiles in need.
Drivers are often reminded to watch out for our slow-moving friends. This time of year is when turtles are most active.
Officer Schneiderjohn often patrols north St. Charles County. In his patrol, he comes across speeders, broken-down vehicles and recently, turtles.
“I think we’ve seen three up there and we had to stop. Can’t stand it whenever we’re driving along, we see turtles either hit or getting hit. I mean, it doesn’t take anything out of our day to stop. Get it out of the way,” he said.
Turtles are most active during the spring and early summer months as they cross the road in search of food and a mate.
“Anytime I do see one in the roadway, I make sure to turn on my lights just because everyone sees those they know, ‘Hey, that means I either need to slow down or stop,’ especially if it’s in the middle of the road,” Officer Schneiderjohn said.
Other officers have coined him with a new title, “the turtle whisperer.”
“I don’t hate it. You know it is what it is. Happy to be here, helping where I can,” Officer Schneiderjohn said.