Hesston

Police Department

444 N Lancaster
Hesston, KS 67602
Phone: 620-327-2020

Chief Doug Schroeder

 

 

Department History

In 1921 Henry Dreyer served as the first City Marshall of Hesston.  A short time later the city employed Abe Hale, a farmer living west of Hesston.  In 1922 Ira Brainard was hired as City Marshall primarily to serve as a night watchman.  Ira Brainard was paid $40 per month.  Roy M. Smith became superintendent of utilities in 1930 and assumed the responsibilities of City Marshall.  Upon Smith’s retirement Henry Pfautz became superintendent of utilities and also served as City Marshall.  At Pfautz’s death, Ray Hackenberg was named his replacement.  As Hesston Corporation grew it made the employment of security police necessary.  The Burns Detective Agency supplied that service.  City growth made a full-time policeman and radio dispatcher desirable.  The city contracted with the Burns Agency for a policeman and was allowed to use their radio facilities at Hesston Corporation to dispatch calls.  In 1967 Alva Pitts was hired as the Chief of Police with Eddie Wiens as officer.  In 1969 Harlan Nikkel became Chief of Police and served until 1980.  Chief Nikkel expanded the force to three officers.  In 1980 the city hired Mickey Dehook to replace Nikkel as Chief of Police.  In 1997 Kurt A. Ford was hired and employed five additional officers.  Upon Ford’s departure in 2001 Douglas Schroeder was hired and is the current Chief of Police. 

The department currently consists of the Chief of Police, 1 Detective, 1 Sergeant, 4 full-time officers, 2 reserve officers and an administrative assistant/court clerk. 

Mission Statement
The Hesston Police Department’s mission is to provide services to citizens, to maintain order, preserve property and protect the lives and the rights of citizens, thereby improving the quality of the community.  To fulfill our mission, we will strive to attain the highest degree of ethical behavior and professional conduct at all times.