KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman Presented with the 2024 Clarence Kelley Award

Published on October 28, 2024

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the 75th Annual Crime Commission Luncheon, KCKPD Police Chief, Karl A. Oakman, was presented with the Clarence Kelley Award. This award is given annually to a law enforcement administrator in one of the five counties that make up Kansas City's metropolitan area. The award recognizes an individual for their leadership and integrity. The award is named after Clarence M. Kelley who was highly respected for his leadership and integrity with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, as well as his tenure as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Chief Oakman often speaks publicly about what it was like growing up in Kansas City, Kansas in the 1970's. When he does, he always credits his neighborhood KCKPD police officer who always took time to talk with the kids on his street and toss around the football. While he wasn't sure of his name, the Chief has always credited the officer for inspiring him to pursue a career in law enforcement. So not only was Chief Oakman surprised and humbled by the award, he was shocked when that neighborhood officer, Retired KCKPD Major, Bill Edwards stepped up to present him the award. It was a real full-circle moment. So while the Chief may have been surprised by this award, we certainly were not.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Oakman, the 2024 Clarence M. Kelley Award Recipient.