Each year during National Police Week, the Kearney Police Department and Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office come together to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Join us on Thursday, May 7th at 5:30 PM outside the Law Enforcement Center at Ave A & 21st St for the 7th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. No seating will be provided; please bring a chair if needed. The ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes.
The program will include the National Anthem, a wreath presentation at the flagpole with bagpipes, Taps, and a Honor Guard rifle salute.
Special guest Tiffany Yant will share in remembering her father, Ross Bartlett, who lost his life in the line of duty on April 12, 2024.
We will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Please join us in congratulating Officer West on successfully completing the Kearney Police Department Field Training Program.
Officer West attended the 220th Session of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and, upon graduation, immediately began the Field Training Program. Today, he officially starts his solo assignment with the Uniform Patrol Bureau, “A” Shift.
We wish Officer West a long, safe, and successful career in law enforcement! 🚓
Expired or unused prescription medications pose a public safety risk. Safeguard lives and protect the environment by participating in #TakeBackDay on October 25th. Share this post and get ready for the event at https://t.co/hP5NLPejQy.
Welcome to the force, Officer Kuba!
Chief Kowalek swore in KPD’s newest member tonight — K9 Officer Kuba, who’ll be serving alongside his handler, Officer Zach Schwarz.
We’re excited to have this duo on duty to help keep Kearney safe! 💙🖤 @CityofKearney@KearneyPolice#K9
High Five Friday ✋🏼 Week #2!
This week’s stop, Meadowlark Elementary. Thanks for helping us start the morning off with some positive wind in the sails!
Go Voyagers!! ⛵️
@KPD339@CaptMYoungKPD @SgtSmall335
"Thank you @BarthFinancial for the awesome goodie box and kind letter! Excited to begin the #LeadershipKearney journey and build new relationships along the way. #Community#Leadership"
Our drone team pilots frequently get questions related to “Why do you need different drones and why do you need so much training?”
The answer is simple: drones can save lives.
Wednesday night, the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and Kearney Police Department drone pilots trained together using indoor drones. One of the training scenarios simulated a situation where a suspect was shooting inside a home. Instead of sending officers in blind, an indoor drone was deployed, quickly locating an armed suspect, tracking his movements, and providing real-time information before officers ever had to step inside.
Drones provide safety by reducing risks and injuries to both the officer and the suspect.
This technology gives law enforcement a safer way to identify threats and make smarter decisions in dangerous situations.
We also put our skills to the test on precision flying using obstacle courses, because flying indoors requires a different level of control.
This is another example of how co-location and teamwork between KPD and BCSO makes us stronger as one team professionally serving our community.
Thank you to the City of Kearney and the Kearney Sports Plex for allowing us to use their facility for this important training.
What makes our co-located Investigations Unit unique isn’t just the cases we solve, it’s how we work together to solve them. The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office and Kearney Police Department don’t just share a hallway, we share information, strategy, and a commitment to serving our community.
Inside our Investigations Unit at LEC West, BCSO Sgt. Koerner and KPD Sgt. Benson’s offices are side by side, a design that’s intentional, not accidental. Because real-time collaboration solves crimes faster, keeps victims needs at the center and suspect information current.
This depth of co-location, with daily shoulder-to-shoulder teamwork between a sheriff’s office and a police department is rare not only in Nebraska, but across the nation. It’s something that sets BCSO and KPD apart.
Just down the hall, that same spirit of teamwork continues. This week Communications Officers are taking part in Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) training — increasing their ability to effectively handle medical emergencies over the phone. These are the voices behind the scenes who provide life-saving instructions and coordinate response for KPD, BCSO, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, every rural fire department and coordinating with law enforcement agencies across Buffalo County.
Whether it’s coordinating multi-agency investigations or guiding someone through CPR over the phone, when we train, we train together because we serve together.
Yesterday, we had the honor to participate in of our favorite events of the year; the Patriotic Parade at the Central Nebraska Veterans Home. Being able to recognize those that gave so much to ensure our freedom, is always moving. 🇺🇸🫡 #HappyIndependenceDay@KearneyPolice
Today we were blessed to receive 5 new Angel Armor rifle rated ballistic plates and helmets from @Shield616_ and the @KearneyGives Give Where You Live. Since 2018, the @CityofKearney and Buffalo County community has been graciously supporting the Shield616 Foundation which provides our officers with rifle rated ballistic protection. Founder and former Colorado Springs Police Officer, Jake Skifstad was here today along with his team to present the officers with their new gear. This gear will provide officers with additional protection not normally provided by their normal bullet resistant vests.
“Once again, I am humbled and incredibly grateful for the continued generosity and support members of the Kearney Police Department enjoy from our amazing community. This is yet another example of the commitment we share with our community toward public safety and the safety of the men and women professionally and selflessly protecting and serving this city. We are inspired by the “why” behind Shield 616 and the intentional mission of officer safety presented by Jake and the entire Shield 616 Team. Thank you to everyone who has donated to this meaningful project over the years, we are truly blessed and thankful for the care and support for professional policing.” – @ChiefWaughKPD
This is a great program that allows law enforcement to locate and bring your loved ones home quickly. Contact us today to see how this technology can assist your family. #ProjectLifesaver
Project Lifesaver
Protecting those with cognitive disorders who may wander. This program uses advanced tech to cut search times from hours to minutes. Supported by Kearney PD & Buffalo County SO.
Learn more or enroll: Project Lifesaver
#CommunitySafety
TRAFFIC ALERT - Fatality Accident
First responders are on the scene of a van vs train accident that has resulted in a single fatality. More details will be released at a later time as the investigation is completed. Highway 30 near Eaton’s will be closed in both directions while the investigation is completed. Expect heavier traffic flow on 39th Street and 56th Street through Kearney.
As Kearney Cruise Nite kicks off the Assisted Living Classic Car Tour, be extra cautious and aware of and anticipate slow-moving classic cars. There will also be intersections on the route below that will be temporarily blocked while the classic cars pass through. The temporary closure will last only a few minutes at each intersection and is necessary to ensure the safety of all motorists on our streets. Kearney Police Department will be escorting up to 50 cars on this tour to every assisted living facility in town. KPD will be at the front and rear of the tour as well as controlling traffic at intersections. Expect short traffic delays and be patient as these classics slow down time for a look into the past. Check the Cruise Nite website https://t.co/Pzxq9v8j7C for the full route and other activities of the week.
Here is a general timing idea of the thunderstorms expected to cross the area through the overnight hours. Some strong-severe storms are possible! Make sure you have multiple ways to get warning information - for most areas it'll be after dark when this moves through! #newx#kswx
Our dedicated team is attending the CentralSquare Technology Conference this week in Dallas to learn from the product team and network with around 2,000 professionals from around the country.