Chief James Brown to move to Kansas National Guard fulltime
Chief Brown has accepted a fulltime position as the Kansas National Guard’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader, a position he has filled part time since August 2015. Chief Brown’s last day with the City of Topeka will be Jan. 1, 2017. He starts at the Kansas National Guard Jan. 2.
“For two years, the City of Topeka has been honored and privileged to have Chief Brown at the helm of our police department,” Mayor Larry Wolgast said. “He brought the force to new levels of law enforcement tactics and community engagement. Through his leadership and vision, the TPD will continue to be a leadership department highly respected by Topeka citizens and public safety officials.”
As the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the Kansas National Guard, Brown will serve as the primary advisor to the Adjutant General of Kansas on all matter pertaining to the enlisted force. Kansas currently has 7,200 Army and Air National Guard members, responsible for both state and federal missions.
Brown came on as Topeka’s chief of police on Sept. 29, 2014. He currently earns $146,803.50. He accomplished a significant number of initiatives in his time here, including but not limited to the enhancing the capabilities of the Community Policing Unit and associated programs and initiatives; developing of a 2016-2018 strategic plan; increasing diversity and inclusion in the Chief’s Citizen Advisory Board; opening the Emergency Coordination Center; establishing the Organized Crime and Gang Unit and Violent Crime Initiative; and launching the CADET program for 18-21 year olds.
“As Chief of Police, I am proud to serve beside the men and women of the Topeka Police Department and value the great work they do each and every day for the citizens of our capital city,” Chief Brown said. “Our guardian warriors are true professionals and serve with great honor and nobility. They are brave men and women that serve without hesitation even while sacrificing much. I will miss donning the TPD uniform and being part of such a world-class organization. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve our great city. I do and will always take great pride in my time as Chief of Police for the City of Topeka.”
The City of Topeka currently is working to update the position description and anticipates posting and advertising for it in the near future. Interim City Manager Doug Gerber has yet to determine a plan to fill the position on an interim basis. However, Gerber said, the leadership and culture Brown has established at the Topeka Police Department will make any transition to a new chief seamless.
“I’ve known James Brown since we went through Leadership Kansas together in 2013 and was pleased to have been able to work with him during the past two years,” Gerber said. “I know Chief Brown has been interested in pursuing other leadership opportunities for some time and know he will excel in his new role. We have an excellent team at TPD, from our leadership to the rank-and-file patrol officers. We all will continue to do our best to provide the level of service Topeka citizens deserve.”
