Officers Aaron Alumbaugh (pictured first) and Tim Kamholz (pictured in the middle) began working at Butler in the fall semester of 2017. Officer Patrick Murphy (pictured third) began working in January 2018. Alumbaugh will leave for the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC) in March. Murphy comes to Butler after working with the Wichita Police Department. Cat Gonzales
Matthew Will
Lantern Staff
Chief of Police Jason Kenney has begun his time at Butler with many new changes and equipment. The police force began the semester with four new officers: Tim Kamholz, Patrick Murphy, Aaron Alumbaugh and Toby Goff.
Kenney explained what he looks for in officers.
“It’s personality,” Kenney said. “You gotta be relatable to [all ages].”
For the first time in a while, Butler’s police force is full and should continue to be.
There are three new officers on the Butler campus this semester. Goff will not be on campus for a month or so, while he finishes his time at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center (KLETC).
Murphy was excited to join the force after working for the Wichita Police Department as a support services officer. Murphy attended Butler as a student in 2003 and 2004. He is excited to work where he was once a student himself.
“It’s a small campus,” Murphy said. “I like everyone I work with.”
Kamholz, Murphy and Alumbaugh can be seen around campus immediately. They have explained they are excited to work and connect with new students.
Kenney took over as police chief Saturday, Oct. 7. In his first few months as police chief, a lot of action has been taken. For Kenney, new uniforms were a must. The force changed over from their blue and gray uniforms to a new blue and khaki look, matching the area police forces of Andover, El Dorado and Butler County.
The police chief badges were also a point of interest to Kenney. He changed them to have the state of Kansas seal instead of the Butler Grizzly logo. Chief Kenney believes this looks more official.
The police forces’ bulletproof vests are the next goal to replace. The old ones are too bulky and strenuous on the backs of officers and no longer completely safe, according to Kenney. The new vests are a more tactical-like chest plate, providing comfort, protection and an accessibility access.
While many changes seem small, there is a bright future ahead for the Butler police force.
