2026 KPOA
Training Conference
September 28-30, 2026
Drury Plaza Hotel
400 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS
Hotel group rates are available until August 26, 2026.
You may reserve your room online or you may call 316-262-5000 or 800-325-0720.
Please enter or provide Group Number 10127370
The Drury Plaza Hotel offers breakfast and a light dinner buffet for those registered and staying at the hotel.
Lunch will be provided each day of the conference.
CONFERENCE TOPICS:
While the agenda is still being finalized, training topics will include:
Stronger Hearts, Stronger Leaders: Tackling the #1 Killer Among Law Enforcement and Fire Service
Speaker: Benjamin Stone
Benjamin Stone is an internationally recognized speaker and thought leader in proactive healthcare with over 20 years of experience inspiring audiences around the world. A dynamic presenter known for his compelling storytelling and unmatched expertise, he empowers public safety organizations to rethink wellness, leadership, and human performance.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas and Oxford University, Dr. Stone holds a PhD in Human Physiology with an emphasis in cardiovascular genomics and metabolism. His academic journey led him to groundbreaking research in exploring the role of amino acid L-glutamine in recovery and physical resilience. He also worked with the British Olympic Medical Institute at Northwick Park Hospital, pioneering screening methodologies to prevent sudden cardiac deaths in young athletes due to a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
At just 24, he was appointed Senior Lecturer at the University of Oxford’s Department of Physiology, where he delivered regular lectures on nutritional biochemistry, energy metabolism, and pathophysiology to medical and nursing students. He later served as Assistant Professor in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Central Arkansas and as an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he also co-chaired the committee determining medical curricula. In 2015, he co-founded Sigma Tactical Wellness, where he served as CEO until its acquisition by Telemed2U in 2025. Under his leadership, Sigma became the national authority in advanced cardiac disease prevention for first responders, developing innovative research and screening protocols that have saved countless lives in police and fire agencies across the United States. As a speaker, he is sought after for his depth of knowledge and ability to connect complex science to real-world application. He has delivered keynote addresses for the FBI National Academy, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and numerous state-level associations and conferences. His presentations inspire action, spark meaningful change, and leave audiences with practical strategies to improve health, performance, and wellness-forward leadership culture.
Whether addressing top law enforcement executives, medical professionals, or corporate leaders, his presentations consistently earn rave reviews for their authenticity, impact, and visionary perspective.
Choose to Lead – Intentional, Impactful, Self-Driven
Description:
This training will examine the profound influence leaders have on individuals, teams, and organizations. This session is designed to sharpen your perspective and self-awareness through a raw, intentional conversation – a focused dialogue aimed at elevating your leadership beyond your title. Participants will learn to understand the weight of their actions and intentionally shape the leader they aspire to be.
Speaker:
Brian Townsend is a retired DEA Supervisory Special Agent and law enforcement leader with 28 years of service, including leadership roles across multiple states and at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, where he helped develop the agency’s leadership training programs.
He currently serves as a Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for MOCIC and is the founder of Eagle 6 Training, providing leadership and specialized training worldwide. Brian is also the founder of the nonprofit Only 2mg Inc., raising awareness about the fentanyl crisis, and is a sought-after speaker featured in national media.
Empathy and Action: Unraveling the Tragedy of the Mass Shooting in Farmington, New Mexico
Speakers: Deputy Chief Kyle Dowdy, Bartow Police Dept., Florida and Chief Steve Hebbe, Farmington Police Dept., New Mexico
Kyle A. Dowdy serves as Deputy Chief of the Bartow, Florida Police Department and previously retired from the Farmington, New Mexico Police Department, where he began his law enforcement career in 2004. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles in Patrol, SWAT, and Special Operations. He also served as Farmington’s Department Liaison to the LGBTQ+ community, was a member of the New Mexico task force for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women, and worked as the department’s Intelligence Officer.
Deputy Chief Dowdy holds two master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Security Studies (Homeland Security), as well as a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. In addition to his law enforcement career, he serves as an adjunct professor teaching Western Civilizations and Criminal Justice. He is also a military veteran, ha
Immigration – Constitutional Regulations
Speaker:
Captain Jeremy Campbell - Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Captain Adam Khan – Spring Hill Police Department
Force Encounters: Real World Review
Speaker: Asst. Chief Kirk Lane, Mission Police Dept.
This course provides a comprehensive and practical examination of use-of-force decision-making through the lens of objective reasonableness, grounded in the principles established by Graham v. Connor. Designed for law enforcement professionals and leaders, the training emphasizes the critical balance between legal standards, human behavior, and real-world application.
Participants will explore how rapidly evolving situations, stress, and perception influence officer decision-making in the field. The course integrates key competencies including critical thinking and situational awareness equipping attendees with the tools to both make and defend sound decisions under pressure.
Through case studies, scenario-based discussion, and applied analysis, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of constitutional standards, liability considerations, and best practices in modern policing. This course ultimately aims to enhance officer performance and reduce risk by aligning tactical actions with legally sound and ethically grounded decision-making.
Bio
Kirk E. Lane is a law enforcement executive with nearly 30 years of experience in policing, leadership, and training. He currently serves as Deputy Chief of Police for the Mission Police Department, where he oversees patrol, investigations, and staff support operations, managing personnel, policy development, and organizational strategy.
Throughout his career, Kirk has built a reputation as a leader in officer safety, use of force, and training development. He is a Master Instructor in defensive tactics and has trained officers and instructors at the local, state, and national levels. He has served as an adjunct instructor for the Johnson County Regional Police Academy since 2005 and has presented at national conferences, sharing best practices with law enforcement professionals from across the country.
Kirk is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session #250) and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS). He has led major policy initiatives, implemented modern training programs and equipment, and played a key role in developing leadership processes within his department.
In addition to his operational leadership, Kirk has developed training programs such as Close Quarter Strategies (CQS), which have been taught to agencies throughout the region. He is committed to advancing officer safety, leadership development, and practical, experience-based training for today’s law enforcement professionals.
Implicit Bias – Tactical Perception
Speaker: Police Instructor Tom Hayseldon
The course examines bias that could create officer safety issues, civil liability, and best practices to increase professional law enforcement service. Law enforcement officers will receive an academic review of bias and how bias affects the decision-making process. The course provides scenarios and tools to improve law enforcement service in their communities.
Implicit Bias - Tactical Perception is a course designed to meet the requirements for Bias Based Policing as it is defined in K.S.A 22-4606, Complaint Procedures in K.S.A 22-4611, and Training in K.S.A 22-4610.
Tom Hayseldon’s Bio:
Thomas joined KLETC in April 2025. Prior to joining KLETC, Thomas served 31 years in public service as a Detective in Shawnee, Kansas (ret.), a deputy for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and a Sergeant in the US Army. Thomas served as an adjunct instructor at the Johnson County Regional Police Academy and an adjunct professor at MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Thomas holds a master’s degree in business with a concentration in leadership and a bachelor’s degree in management of human resources from MidAmerica Nazarene University and an associate degree in Criminal Justices from Johnson County Community College. Thomas has completed several advanced law enforcement courses throughout his career.
CONFERENCE ITINERARY:
The conference itinerary is presently in the planning phase.
Check back later for updates.
Monday, September 28
Tuesday, September 29:
- Noon: Lunch (provided)
- 3:15 - 5:00: KPOA Business Meeting / Legislative Updates Ed Klumpp
Wednesday, September 30:
Hospitality Area & Evening Activities
We invite all conference attendees to join us in the Hospitality Area, which will be open on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings. This is a great opportunity to relax, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy refreshments after the day’s sessions.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Conference Registration: $250.00
HOTEL INFORMATION: The conference will be held at the Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, located at 400 W Douglas Ave in Wichita.
Hotel group rates are available until August 26, 2026.
You may reserve your room online or you may call 316-262-5000 or 800-325-0720.
Please enter or provide Group Number 10127370
VENDORS WELCOME!
We are actively seeking vendors for our conference.
For more information, visit our Corporate Sponsorship page.
