Kearney Appoints Thomas as Police Chief

The Kearney Board of Aldermen appointed Mark Thomas the new Police Chief at their August 5 meeting. The Aldermen approved Mayor Randy Pogue’s recommendation to make Thomas interim appointment permanent.

Kearney Police Chief Mark Thomas - submitted photo

Chief Thomas has been serving as the Interim Police Chief since March 6, 2024, and has demonstrated a commitment to community-focused leadership, professionalism and transparency within the department.

“I am solidly committed to the citizens of Kearney and look forward to working alongside our dedicated officers to ensure the safety and security of our community,” said Chief Thomas. “Together, we will build on the successes of the police department and address the challenges ahead with transparency, accountability and a commitment to excellence.”

Chief Thomas brings more than 42 years of law enforcement experience to the role, having previously served for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Clay and Plate County Sheriff's Offices and the State of Missouri Department of Labor Worker’s Compensation Fraud Detection Unit. In his short tenure as Interim Chief, he has already adopted a formal promotion process for officers in the department to ensure that the process is transparent and that promotions are based on experience and performance, and he has focused on improving training opportunities for Kearney officers.

Mayor Randy Pogue is excited at Thomas’ appointment.

“It gives me great pleasure that the Board has accepted my appointment of Mark Thomas as Police Chief,” said Mayor Pogue. “I am enthusiastic about the initiatives Chief Thomas is undertaking to improve the police department’s performance, productivity and connections with the community. Chief Thomas is a strong leader with an excellent track record of fighting crime. This is truly exciting for our community.”

Chief Thomas is a graduate of Park University, having earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration, graduating with distinction. He has lived and worked in the Kearney community for more than 34 years, raising his family here. His commitment to the Kearney community has been solidified over the years.

More than 30 years ago, the Kearney community helped fundraise enough money to afford a liver transplant for his daughter that saved her life.

“I owe a debt to the Kearney community due to its overwhelming support during that difficult time that I will never be able to repay,” states Chief Thomas. “The Kearney police chief position gives me an opportunity to pay forward some of the kindness the community offered my family.”