Even though law enforcement officers write for a living, sometimes translating emotions into words is difficult. For some situations, written words will never be adequate. But they are the only way to document an event.

On May 3, 2020, Overland Park Police Officer Mike Mosher was murdered while upholding his commitment to the citizens of Kansas. It wasn’t just a passing, it wasn’t just a death, it was a murder. This at a tremendous cost to Officer Mosher’s wife Corinne, daughter Tyler, his family, friends and fellow officers. 

Officer Mosher’s legacy is apparent. In his KACP Gold Award for Valor. In being Officer of the Year for 2019. In serving, during his career, as a School Resource Officer, as a Community Oriented Police Officer, as a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, as a Field Training Officer, and as the President of the Fraternal Order of Police Kansas Lodge 21. And in the faces of Overland Park’s finest.

One of the few comforts is the fact because Officer Mosher took the action he did, he may have saved the life of a well-meaning citizen witness by preventing them from following the suspect after the crash. His actions may have saved the life of an officer following up on a hit and run crash.

Words are insufficient. The best I can offer… To Officer Mosher’s family, friends, and Overland Park Police, God Bless You and know KPOA stands with you.

Paul Schliffke

KPOA Members,

As I write this, Kansans have joined others across the globe who are trying to avoid becoming sickened by COVID-19. We, as dedicated law enforcement officers continue to serve the public. It is the norm for us to place ourselves in harm’s way. Figuring out how to do so under these circumstances is uncharted waters.

Many of us, myself included, prefer in-person contacts and greetings with handshakes. I respectfully remind everyone something we learned early in our careers... if we become part of the problem, we can’t be part of the solution. We certainly don’t want to expose our families to this virus. The information about COVID-19 changes hourly. Be smart and take precautions to keep yourself healthy.

We should remember this is a stressful time for everyone. It is likely the number of disturbance calls will increase, along with juvenile calls since the schools are closed. Let’s do our jobs professionally and safely while treating others with empathy.

At this time, the conference is still scheduled for October 13 (business meeting in the afternoon) and October 14 and 15 (training) at the Bluemont Inn in Manhattan. I will not put our members’ health at risk. I reached out to the event coordinator and there is no financial penalty with the Inn for postponing or cancelling the conference. As this continues to unfold I will stay in contact with the executive officers to make the decision that best serves our members.

Thanks to each of you for what you do, and stay safe.

Paul

Reminder - The annual board and legislative meetings, and legislative reception will be at the Ramada, 420 SE 6th, Topeka, on Tuesday, January 28. The KPOA meeting will start at 10:00 AM in alcoves 5 and 6. After lunch, there were will a joint meeting starting at 3:30 PM in the same alcoves, and the reception for legislators will start at 5:00 PM in the Grand Ballroom. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing from Ed Klumpp about what is happening at the Capitol.

District governors - This is a great time to plan KPOA sponsored training in your area, and to check with law enforcement officers and agencies to see if they are members of KPOA.

Stay safe,

Paul

The dates for the 2020 Fall Conference have been selected! The business meeting will be held on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 13, and training will be held on Wednesday, October 14, and Thursday, October 15. Our host hotel will be the Bluemont Hotel in Manhattan, Kansas. I have already received from KPOA members, great training suggestions and I have started to reach out to potential presenters. If you have an idea please send an email to me.

I also want to take this opportunity to wish each of you, and your families, a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We provide a 24 / 365 service to the public which means many of us are working on Holidays. While each of us signed up for this profession, remember our families did not, even though they remain supportive. When giving thanks, remember to include your family.

Stay safe,

Paul

Members of the Kansas Peace Officers’ Association:

I am humbled you elected me to be your President for 2019-2020.

2019 was a year of changes for KPOA. Sherri Moore provided leadership to Joby Harrison, Darrin Stewart, Jeff Piper and myself, challenging us to look ahead so KPOA could remain a long-term resource and benefit for members. The KPOA web page received a makeover with new software including a members’ area, we reviewed and updated the Constitution and By-Laws, added benefits for members, and encouraged the District Governors to take more ownership and to be more active in the Association. You, as members expressed confidence in the Executive Officers to make these changes by your support at the well-attended business meetings. At the fall business meeting, John Defore was elected Vice-President and Marc McCune was elected Sergeant-At-Arms.

At the fall conference, we said a well-deserved thank you and so long to dedicated Secretary – Treasurer Al Thimmesch after he decided to retire. Al served the KPOA for 35 years and it is safe to say he was the face of KPOA. Saying goodbye to Al was bittersweet, but as he decided to go to the next chapter of his life, we wished him well. Al’s continued dedication to KPOA showed with his vital assistance to Sherri and Jeff as the Association made the transition from the Secretary – Treasurer position to the Administrator position. Al, there simply isn’t enough space here to express our appreciation to you.

Looking ahead, I want to take advantage of the capabilities of the KPOA web page to increase communication between members. I would like the web page to be more than a resource to search for job listings. As this is your organization, please plan on seeing and responding to surveys sent so the Executive Officers have input from members. When the KPOA is asked as a group for our stance on a topic, I would like to provide what the members believe, not just what I think the members believe. At the conference, I received suggestions including District Governors having younger officers promote KPOA within their districts, and having activities and possibly presentations for spouses at the 2020 fall conference and future conferences. I appreciate the time members took to speak with me.

Please know I am grateful to the members who keep their memberships current, and to the agencies who pay for their employees to be members.

Thanks to each of you for what you do, and stay safe!

Paul

KPOA Members,

My term as President has come to an end and I want to thank you for a great year. We have made some positive changes and reaffirmed the energy to sustain an incredible organization.

These changes  would not have been accomplished without the hard work and support of the executive board, I want to thank each one of them for their dedication and patience.

Thank you ALL for a fantastic year as President.

Warmest Regards,

Sherri

 

 

 

 

Labor Day usually means Summer is waving good-bye,  and Fall is waiting to arrive.

Labor Day constitutes a yearly, national tribute to the contributions workers  and laborers have made to the strength and well-being of our country. Like each of you choose to contribute in protecting and serving the citizens of Kansas in many different law enforcement capacities.

I hope this Labor Day weekend you will get some extra time off to relax and spend with those who are important in your life.

Have a good, long weekend and thank you for all you do as law enforcement.

Be safe!

Sherri 

Monday, I had the opportunity to meet with the KS COPS organization. Also present was AG Schmidt, members from KACP, State FOP representatives , and legislative liaison Ed Klumpp.

KS COPS is a statewide organization providing programs & services for the surviving families and co-workers of leo killed in the line of duty in KS. They assist in getting families to police week in DC,  have peer support groups, and even have camp for children who have unfortunately been exposed to the horrific tragedy of line of duty death of a parent.

Take a minute to look at their website www.kscops.org, or their fb page. I challenge each KPOA member to donate their next fancy coffee or lunch out money to this sadly needed wonderful organization.

I also hope and pray we don't need their programs this year in Kansas.

Be safe!

Sherri

 

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting several  applicants for the KPOA scholarships. Let me tell you..... the  future looks bright for these young people! (and us too)

We had a number of exceptional applicants and the decisions were not easy. This is also a testament to good parenting, keep it up!

KPOA wishes EACH applicant the utmost success throughout their time at school and in their chosen career.  

Stay safe!

Sherri  

 

As we celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends and fireworks,  take a moment to remember those who may not be celebrating, but working to keep your 4th  celebration safe.

Kansas has  great law enforcement officers  and I am proud to say several are  KPOA members. Thank you to all who are dedicated to the law enforcement profession and community.

Enjoy your 4th of July, however you are spending it.

Be safe!

Sherri