Northeast News

October 14, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department will soon be losing one of its Division Commanders.

East Patrol’s Major Joe McHale has accepted a job as the City of Marion, Iowa’s next Chief of Police, according to a Friday, October 14 press release. The announcement from Marion further revealed that McHale is set to begin his new job on December 12. McHale, whose last day with KCPD will be on December 2, indicated on October 14 that the timing was right for the transition, both for the sake of his family and his career.

“My wife’s from up there. She went to the University of Northern Iowa, so we have a lot of family up there,” said McHale. “It’s an amazing little police department. I think they’ve had two homicides in the last fifteen years.”

McHale, 46, added that he’s excited for the opportunity, and that he’s proud of the work he’s done over the past 25 years at the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

“If you could go back to 1991 and see what Kansas City looked like when I started, I’m really proud of how far this city has come along,” McHale said.

Below is full release issued by the City of Marion, Iowa:

The City of Marion is pleased to introduce Joseph McHale as its next Chief of Police.

“We were fortunate to have a strong pool of candidates vying for the position,” said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. “Chief McHale comes to Marion highly-regarded by his colleagues and the search committee. I am confident his 25 years of law enforcement experience, vision and drive will take the Marion Police Department to new places.”

“I sincerely look forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens of Marion,” said McHale. “I am humbled and excited to become a part of the Marion community and continue Marion’s legacy as one of the safest cities in Iowa.”

McHale has been with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department for 25 years, most recently as Major/Commander of the East Patrol Division. He is a subject matter expert with the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance. McHale obtained his bachelor’s degree in Administration of Criminal Justice through Grantham University.

“In the coming months it will be my highest priority to get to know the citizens, business owners, educators and civic leaders in Marion,” said McHale. “The Marion Police Department has a reputation of excellence, and I will ensure we continue to provide the level of progressive and professional police service the citizens of Marion expect.”