New Independence chief announced

A major in the Kansas City Police Department with nearly three decades of police department experience will take over as the new police chief in Independence.

Thomas J. Dailey was chosen from a nationwide pool of 35 applicants to replace retired Police Chief Fred Mills, said Independence City Manager Robert Heacock. Mills retired in March after seven years at the helm.

“We feel really good about the hire,” Heacock said. “We think he is going to be a really good chief for Independence.”

Dailey, a major and 27-year veteran with the KCPD, will report Sept. 8 for duty as police chief for Independence. Dailey was out of town and unavailable for comment Monday, but said in a press release: “Not only am I honored, but I am also humbled at having been selected from such a wide range of national candidates.

“I have known and worked alongside the talented men and women of the Independence Police Department for numerous years and in every instance have found it to be a quality organization.”

Heacock said Dailey has had stints in all four KCPD bureaus in patrol, investigation and administration functions. Heacock praised Dailey’s extensive experience with local law enforcement and a collaborative management style that he will bring to the department and the Independence community.

“I’m impressed with his approach to crime,” Heacock said. “He has a reputation for being very open to new ideas and innovation, and is committed to aggressively addressing crime. I’m looking forward to having him here.”

Dailey was appointed to the KCPD in December 1980. Starting as a patrolman in the East Patrol Division, he was promoted to sergeant in June 1985, to captain in January 1991, and major in February 2001.

Dailey’s most recent assignments with the KCPD included co-chair of the Kansas City Regional Terrorism Early Warning Center; executive board member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force; co-chair and executive committee of the Mid-America Regional Council’s Regional Homeland Security Coordinating Committee; adjunct faculty member teaching emergency planning at the Webster University Graduate School; and the KCPD Intelligence, Tactical, Homicide, Media, Patrol Support, Traffic Enforcement, Traffic Investigation, Communications, Communications Support, Building Operations and Internal Affairs units.

“I think he is a man looking for the chance of taking this department to the next step,” said Dave Lamken, Independence interim police chief. “He’s resourceful and he will come up with ways to reduce crime. I really expect him to get in here and help move the organization forward.”