After three years and one month leading the Riley County Police Department, Riley County Police Department Director Dennis Butler sat in on his final Law Board meeting Tuesday afternoon at Manhattan City Hall.
It was an opportunity for Law Board members to publicly thank Butler for his leadership of the only consolidated police department in Kansas. At-large board member Robert Ward stated that he has not always agreed with Butler on issues, but says they’ve always been able to amicably resolve their differences. He urged Butler to continue to advocate for law enforcement in other ways going forward.
Law Board member and Riley County Commissioner John Ford thanked Butler for upcoming testimony he plans to give to the Kansas Legislature regarding the benefits of consolidated policing.
The high praise continued from Patricia Hudgins, who recently wrapped up her first year on the Law Board.
Law Board member and Riley County Attorney Barry Wilkerson echoed the comments of Hudgins and the rest of the board.
Current Law Board Chair and Manhattan Mayor Linda Morse praised Butler’s ability to lead the department.
Law Board member Be Stoney says Butler’s work in community policing has made Manhattan and Riley County a better place for all.
Humbled by the kind words, Director Butler deferred much of the compliments to his staff and employees, many of whom were on hand for promotion ceremonies Tuesday.
Butler was hired as the 5th RCPD Director on Dec. 31, 2018. Prior to that he was Chief of Police in Ottawa and also served for 25 years with the Alexandria, Virginia Police Department.
The Law Board adjourned after nearly an hour of executive sessions, presumably to discuss who might lead the police department on an interim basis, but no action was announced.
Law Board Chair Linda Morse said Tuesday they aren’t there yet and indicated a special executive session may be required on or before Jan. 31, when Butler’s contract expires.
A retirement reception is planned Jan. 28 which will also be the date of Butler’s final appearance as director on KMAN’s In Focus.
