Ofc. Anthony Faz

Why the look? 👀 KPD Community Service Officer Arner, was certified in OC Spray. A less lethal option all our officers and community service officers carry while on duty. We always get asked, which is worse… Getting Tased or Sprayed??? 💪 🇺🇸 🚔 joinkpd.com

During National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, the Kearney Police Department would like to recognize the heroes behind the scenes at the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office 911 Center. Our dispatchers are the calm voices in the storm and the first line of support in critical moments. Their dedication, professionalism, and quick thinking make a difference every single day for the citizens we serve and for our police, fire, and medical partners. We are incredibly grateful for their talent, patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment. From all of us at KPD, thank you for everything you do to keep our community and our officers safe. 💛

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (NE) deputy injured earlier today in an officer involved shooting. Blessed to all those who responded to the call. 🤎 💙 @DCSheriffNE @OmahaPolice

Now Accepting Applications: Joint Paid Law Enforcement Internship For the first time in Nebraska, the Kearney Police Department and Buffalo County Sheriff's Office have partnered to launch a Joint Paid Internship Program. This isn’t a typical internship where you sit behind a desk. Interns will gain hands-on exposure to the real work of public safety, including: • Uniform Patrol • Criminal Investigations • Crime Lab & Digital Forensics • SWAT & K9 Units • Drone Operations (UAS) • Community Policing • Victim & Witness Services • 911 Communications • Corrections / Jail Operations …and more. If you're a college student interested in law enforcement or public safety, this program provides a rare opportunity to learn directly from professionals across two agencies. Paid Internship — $20 per hour Work alongside deputies, officers, investigators, dispatchers, and corrections professionals Scan the QR code in the graphic or visit: joinkpd.com | choosebcso.org Applications are now open. Real Experience. Real Mentors. Real Impact.

2026 NCAA DII National Champions!

This week, the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office joined our partners from the @KearneyPolice, Lexington Police Department, Shelton Police Department, Elm Creek Fire Department, Kearney Regional Medical Center, and @ElmCreekBuffs Creek Public Schools for a series of coordinated training exercises at Elm Creek Public School. These scenarios focused on preparing first responders for complex, high-stress incidents that require quick decision-making, clear communication, and strong coordination between agencies. Officers and responders practiced how to move safely through a building, locate potential threats, assist victims, and work together to ensure those who may be injured receive care as quickly as possible. Training alongside partner agencies is an important part of preparing for real-world situations. Exercises like this allow responders from different departments to practice side-by-side, build familiarity with one another’s roles, and strengthen the teamwork that becomes critical during major incidents. We want to extend a sincere thank you to Elm Creek Public Schools for allowing us to use their facility and for their continued partnership with local first responders. Opportunities to train in schools and other community buildings help law enforcement and emergency responders become more familiar with the spaces we may one day be called to protect. We would also like to thank the many volunteers who participated in the scenarios and helped make the training as realistic as possible. Your time and willingness to assist plays a key role in helping responders prepare for situations we all hope never happen. Exercises like this highlight the strong partnerships that exist between agencies across Buffalo County and the surrounding communities — all working together with one shared goal: keeping our communities safe.

Your @KearneyPolice recruitment team is back!!! Lopes Up! 🤘Today we are @UNKearney for the all Career Fair at the Health and Sports Center. Visit our booth for exciting information on our dual paid internship with our partners @BuffaloCountySO This is not your typical ride along internship. You will receive hands on experience like no other internship in the state. Applications opening soon!!! Be on the 👀 or visit joinkpd.com 🚔 💪🤘

Family of law enforcement and proud! From Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa to Kearney Police Department in Nebraska, recruiting the next generation of officers and deputies at Wayne State College Career Fair. The rivalry may exist but I’ll always have your six. Great seeing you Nate! 🤎 💙 🇺🇸 💪. Oh yeah… Go Big Red 🎈

We had an awesome group of homeschool students visit the Law Enforcement Center today! 👏 Their curiosity and great questions made for a fun tour as Officer McLaughlin and Training Coordinator Officer Faz highlighted the skills and training used by KPD officers and BCSO deputies. Inspiring the next generation and keeping our community safe, what a great day! 👮‍♂️🚔

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! 🚓

Sometimes there is nothing better than a cup of joe in a styrofoam cup to get the day started. Enjoy the little things. ☕️ 💪

🚔 Big day for our Uniform Patrol Bureau as officers completed the annual shift bid for the 2026–2027 year. It’s an important process and a great chance to reconnect across shifts. #Teamwork 🍕 Thank you to Domino’s Pizza of Kearney for providing a meal for our officers! #CommunitySupport

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A pastor, leader, and advocate for peace. Dr. King believed deeply in serving others, leading with compassion, and bringing people together peacefully through understanding and respect. On MLK Day, we encourage our community to reflect on his message and how simple acts of kindness, service, and unity can continue to make a difference every day.

Please join us in welcoming our Spring 2026 Police Intern, Dionicia Rodriguez! Dionicia is from Mitchell, NE and is currently attending University of Nebraska at Kearney studying Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Dionicia will complete 200 hours with KPD, to include an in-depth exposure to all facets of the department, including Uniformed Patrol Bureau, Criminal Investigations Bureau and Special Services. Welcome to KPD and we wish you continued success in reaching your academic and career goals! #JoinKPD

@sonnyoconnor Veterans of the job!

@KPD224 We’re old dude

Today I celebrate 25 years as a Police Officer with the Kearney Police Department. I was a young 21 year old wanting to support my new family and be the husband and father that made a difference. 25 years later I am still trying to do the same thing. Thank you all who support law enforcement. 💙

@ColonelWaughNSP Thank you Colonel! Have a blessed New Year!

@KPD224 Congratulations my friend! Celebrate this milestone, take pride in the longevity & commitment you’ve made to this profession and the community. I’m certain you will continue making a difference! 💪🏻🇺🇸🚔

The Kearney Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Officer Austin Hibberd and Officer Derrick Hosick to the rank of Police Sergeant. “Both Sergeant Hosick and Sergeant Hibberd have shown a great deal of leadership qualities and potential within our organization. They are fully committed to building public trust and ensuring community safety. KPD is blessed to have these two hard working and caring individuals represent our organization and I am excited to watch their careers continue to evolve.” Chief Gabe Kowalek An official promotion ceremony including swearing in and badge pinning is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 5:30pm during the Kearney City Council meeting at City Hall.

Happy Holidays to those serving communities across the country, be safe, be healthy, and be prepared. - KPD Training Division