By Paul Thompson

Northeast News

November 17, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Captain Jim Thomas of the Metro Patrol Division has been tabbed to take over as Commander of East Patrol when Major Joe McHale departs the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department at the beginning of December.

Thomas, who has spent nearly three decades with KCPD, is scheduled to be promoted to the rank of Major on Sunday, November 20. After meeting with Thomas on the evening of Wednesday, November 16, Major McHale expressed optimism that his replacement will be a great fit for East Patrol.

“He’s never been assigned to East Patrol before, but he’s very enthusiastic about what we have going on,” said McHale. “I think he’s going to do great. I think he’s going to excel at his position.”

McHale noted that he visited the incoming East Patrol Commander at Thomas’s home, as he is currently recovering from knee surgery. McHale said that he came away impressed with Thomas’s personal demeanor as well as his lengthy service on behalf of the people of Kansas City.

“He’s a very spiritual person that believes in this profession, and he genuinely cares about the community,” said McHale.

McHale announced last month that he will be taking over as the Chief of Police in Marion, Iowa on December 12. His last day at East Patrol will be on December 2.