On Tuesday, Chief Kowalek recognized Officer Najera for 5 years of service to the Kearney Police Department and the City of Kearney! Officer Najera is currently assigned to Uniformed Patrol Bureau C Shift and also serves as a drone pilot and member of the Honor Guard. She is a valued member of our department who consistently demonstrates professionalism, teamwork, and a willingness to step up and help wherever needed. Congratulations on 5 years, Officer Najera! Thank you for your dedication and all you do for KPD and our community!

Emergency traffic signal repairs are underway at Talmadge St. & 2nd Ave. due to a damaged signal pole. Please avoid the area if possible and expect delays, especially for southbound traffic. The intersection is operating as a four-way stop during repairs. Thank you for your patience.

Join us Tuesday, August 4th, from 6–9 p.m. at neighborhoods across Kearney for an evening of fun, activities, and community! Meet your neighbors, connect with local law enforcement, and enjoy a great night together. National Night Out is all about building stronger, safer neighborhoods, and we can't wait to see you there!

From all of us at the Kearney Police Department, we wish you a safe, fun, and Happy Fourth of July! We hope you enjoy celebrating with family, friends, and neighbors. A few friendly reminders: Fireworks may be discharged today from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight. Please be respectful of your neighbors, pets, and those who may not share your enthusiasm for fireworks. Keep safety first - supervise children, have water nearby, and properly dispose of used fireworks. If you're drinking, designate a sober driver. Never drink and drive. A special thank you to the law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, healthcare workers, military members, and all those serving and protecting our communities today and every day. Have a safe and memorable Independence Day!

All we can say is WOW! ⛳️ The inaugural Chip in Fore D.A.R.E. golf tournament was a tremendous success and we are incredibly grateful. A special thank you to all of our sponsors for your generosity and commitment to investing in our local youth. Because of your support, the D.A.R.E. program in Kearney and Buffalo County can continue making a positive impact for years to come. Friends of Law Enforcement, Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Sayler Screenprinting + Vinylworks, NebraskaLand Bank, Tri-County Glass Inc, Bruce Furniture, Innermost Designs, Trampe Ag, All City Garage Door, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, Firstier Bank, Belschner Custom Meats, The Watt Family, The Spectrum Center for Autism, 4 States Towing, Dan Schleusener 4 Sheriff, Custom Cruises & Travel, Ryan Ohri, Clevenger Petroleum, Legacy on the Bricks, Midwest Golf, Dandee Concrete, Hy-Vee, Piñon Market, Yellow Van Cleaning and Restoration, Gile Family Dentistry, Bird Electric, Family Practice Associates, BD Construction, Birdies and Brews, Ridgeline Exteriors LLC, Lyon Family Dentistry, Ann's A-List Hair Salon, Town & Country Bank, Wilkins Architecture Design Planning, Charter West Bank, Divas at Kearney Floral Co., Fort Kearny Cosmos, Kearney Sertoma Club, San Pedro, Teammates of Kearney, Fiddelke, Hornady, Bomgaars, Golf Fit USA, Tractor Supply Co., Hellman, Main, Coslor and Kathol P.C., Sweetwater Cattle Co., Margaritas Kearney, NAPA, The Cellar, Replays Hair and Beard Parlor, The Drop Zone, Fanatics, Meadowlark Hills, MidPlains Advisors, Walmart Kearney, Cash-Wa Distributing

🚨 URGENT NOTICE 🚨 There is currently a heavy police, fire, and medical presence in the area of the Avenue“M-N overpass” following a two-vehicle collision on the north end. Please avoid the area and use alternate routes to allow emergency personnel to respond safely and efficiently. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Please stay safe and drive cautiously.

On behalf of the entire Kearney Police Department, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country this Memorial Day and always.

⛳️ The Kearney/Buffalo County Citizens Police Academy Alumni are proud to host the inaugural “Chip in Fore D.A.R.E.” Golf Tournament on June 15th! Every drive, chip, and putt helps support and expand D.A.R.E. programs throughout Kearney and Buffalo County, empowering local youth with confidence, decision-making skills, and positive connections with law enforcement. Get your team signed up today to support a great cause and invest in the future of our community! Entry fees can be paid the day of the event ⛳️

⚠️ TRAFFIC UPDATE ⚠️ Please expect extended road closures on 39th St. east of Avenue R to Avenue X, for both eastbound and westbound traffic. Additionally, extended road closures are also in place on Avenue X for northbound and southbound traffic south of 39th St. These closures are necessary while crews work to stabilize downed power lines. Please avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes. Thank you for your patience and cooperation

⚠️ Please stay away from the area near 39th St east of the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. City Street Crews & NPPD personnel are working approximately 16 large high-voltage power lines that are down. Extremely dangerous situation — avoid the area until further notice. @CityofKearney @KearneyPolice

The Kearney Police Department received an additional Swatting call this week which indicated threats towards another local school. This concern was quickly dispelled as numerous similar threats had been received across the nation during the same timeframe. KPD worked closely with Kearney Public School Administrators during this incident to assure the children remained safe without disrupting their learning environment. KPD investigators are working diligently to determine the origins of the call, as well as working with multiple allied partner agencies, in order to hold the individuals involved accountable. “This current trend of Swatting calls or Hoax threats occurring all across the country is unfortunate, however it has not changed KPD’s tactics or our approach to public safety. KPD has always been highly visible around the schools and fully committed to ensuring student safety and building trust with the youth of this community. KPD will continue to investigate all reports of possible violence and encourages anyone that has information regarding the safety of our students, to contact us. We also appreciate our strong partnerships with KPS and our citizens.” Chief Gabe Kowalek

Threats to Kearney Catholic High School investigated and unsubstantiated Yesterday at approximately 12:11 p.m., the Kearney Police Department received information regarding a potential threat involving Kearney Catholic High School (KCHS). Kearney Police Department immediately began investigating the reported threat and coordinated a plan of action with KCHS administration and staff. KPD has School Resource Officers assigned to Kearney schools and work closely with all schools throughout the community to ensure quick communication and coordinated action whenever potential threats are reported. Officers quickly responded to Kearney Catholic High School and worked directly with school personnel to help ensure the safety of students and staff. During the investigation, KPD determined the threat was similar in nature to incidents that have recently been reported in other communities across Nebraska and throughout the nation. The investigation revealed there was no credible threat to Kearney Catholic High School. Unfortunately, these types of calls and threats have become increasingly common across Nebraska and the nation. KPD appreciates the quick and ongoing communication and cooperation from Kearney Catholic administration and staff throughout the investigation. The safety of our students remains our highest priority, and the Kearney Police Department will continue working closely with all Kearney schools to maintain and improve school safety protocols. Anyone who may have information relevant to this case is encouraged to contact Sergeant Benson at the Kearney Police Department at (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers at (308) 237-3424, or by using the See Something Send Something App.

KPD Arrests 2 Subjects Following Search Warrant The Kearney Police Department obtained information that led to the execution of a Buffalo County Search Warrant for controlled substances, at a home, in the 1700 Block of G Avenue in Kearney early Saturday morning. At approximately 07:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9th, officers of the Kearney Police Department, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), and the Kearney / Buffalo County Emergency Services Unit served the search warrant. A total of six occupants were located at the residence, including one juvenile. Forty-one-year-old Kyle Weiser, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), and 66-year-old, David Erpelding was arrested for Resisting Arrest and Obstructing a Police Officer. Both subjects were transported to the Buffalo County Jail to await formal charges. The juvenile was removed from the home and the Department of Health and Human Services was contacted. KPD would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance: Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team, CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, Department of Health and Human Services, Family Advocacy Network, City of Kearney Public Works Department, and the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office. Anyone who may have information relevant to this case, is encouraged to contact Sergeant Benson at the Kearney Police Department at (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers at (308) 237-3424, or by using the See Something Send Something App.

Each year during National Police Week, the Kearney Police Department and Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office come together to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty. Join us on Thursday, May 7th at 5:30 PM outside the Law Enforcement Center at Ave A & 21st St for the 7th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. No seating will be provided; please bring a chair if needed. The ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes. The program will include the National Anthem, a wreath presentation at the flagpole with bagpipes, Taps, and a Honor Guard rifle salute. Special guest Tiffany Yant will share in remembering her father, Ross Bartlett, who lost his life in the line of duty on April 12, 2024. We will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

After nearly three years of dedicated service with the Kearney Police Department, Community Service Officer Mikaela Harbols has accepted a new role as a Communications Officer with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office. We’re grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best as she begins this next chapter!