Published on April 15, 2024
Two new officers are ready to hit the ground running!
Devin Allen and John Kisthardt recently joined the Merriam Police Department and said they’re excited to help make Merriam a safer community.
Maj. Chris Brokaw said the rookies are training with Merriam officers about life as a police officer and will start police academy training this June.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them develop and grow as they learn the ins and outs of our police department,” Brokaw said. “We show them how we do community policing to make our City a more caring and safe place to live and work.”
Meet the New Officers
Devin Allen played baseball at Park University and is about to graduate with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice administration and Homeland Security.
Allen said he wanted to be a Merriam police officer because of the family atmosphere.
“I didn’t want to join a department where I was just a number and would barely know half of my coworkers,” Allen said. “Everyone is a family from the top to bottom at Merriam.”
John Kisthardt is from Kansas City, Missouri. He received his master’s degree in social work at Park University.
“I’m looking forward to getting involved with the community and being able to help where I’m needed,” Kisthardt said. “I’ve had very good mentoring and excellent training. I’ve been able to become part of the team and the police department family.”
Kisthardt said he applied to the Merriam Police Department because of its great reputation and the small-town atmosphere to make a positive difference.