After 32 years of service with the Merriam Police Department, Chief of Police Michael Daniels announced he will retire on April 1.

Chief Daniels began his tenure as a patrol officer in 1987 before rising up the ranks to chief of police in 2014. Chief Daniels said he’s grateful for the opportunity to serve Merriam’s residents and businesses throughout the years.

“I would like to thank the Merriam community for their support of the men and women of the Merriam Police Department,” Chief Daniels said. “I’m honored to have served with the very best men and women in law enforcement and know they will continue to provide the citizens of Merriam with great service.”

Chief Daniels said he’s thankful for the personal and professional relationships he’s developed across the Kansas City metro region.

“Law enforcement is an outstanding career, and I’m glad to have been part of it for the last 32 years,” Chief Daniels said.

Chief Daniels started his career with the Merriam Police Department after graduating from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor’s Degree in the Administration of Justice.

Throughout his career, Chief Daniels has served as a past president of the Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association, the Johnson County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association, a member of the Kansas City METRO Squad board of directors, Kansas Amber Alert advisor board, and the Sunflower House multi-disciplinary team. He was also a member of the Johnson County Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Team O.I.S.I.T. as a lead supervisor and chief liaison.

Merriam Mayor Ken Sissom said he had the pleasure of working with Chief Daniels as a fellow police officer. He said it was an easy choice to recommend him for the position of police chief.

“I got to see him grow from a raw recruit to a veteran police officer, detective, supervisor, and, finally, chief,” Mayor Sissom said. “I’ve always been impressed with his high degree of enthusiasm, his dedication to professionalism, and his commitment and loyalty to the department.”

Chief Daniels oversaw the Merriam Police Department’s remodeled facility last year and brought back the police bicycle unit. He also was committed to having officers attend every City event and connect with students at Merriam Park and Crestview elementary schools.

“He brought many improvements to the Merriam Police Department during his tenure,” Mayor Sissom said. “He will be greatly missed, and I wish him all the best in the future.”

City Administrator Chris Engel said Merriam is one of the premier police departments in the metropolitan region thanks to Chief Daniels’ dedication to duty over the last 30 years.

“The City will miss Mike’s leadership, but he leaves behind a successful legacy of good people and good processes that will carry the department forward in years to come,” Engel said. “We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Chief Daniel’s Promotions
1987 – Started as a patrol officer with the Merriam Police Department
1992 – Assigned to the Metro Squad, investigating major cases in the Kansas City Metro area
1997 – Promoted to detective
2001 – Completed his Master of Criminal Justice Degree from Washburn University
2002 – Promoted to sergeant; SWAT team leader
2006 – Promoted to lieutenant; METRO Squad lead officer
2010 – Attended 242nd Session of the FBI National Academy
2013 – Promoted to captain
2014 – Promoted to chief of police