Two of Excelsior Springs Police Department longest tenured officers retired June 29 leaving behind over 70 years in combined service.
Sgt. John “JP” Fines and Sgt. Jeff Kimsey left ESPD with almost 39 and 33 years with the department respectively. Chief Clint Reno said they served Excelsior Springs well.
“As a department, we have reflected back on the dedicated careers of Sgt. Fines and Sgt. Kimsey. Excelsior Springs is a better place thanks to both of these officers,” he said. “Most will never know the sacrifices they have made, and we as a department hope to carry on their missions into the future. We wish them all the best as they move forward in their next chapters of life. We know they will always call ESPD home.”
Kimsey followed his father onto the force. He said after visiting his father, once an officer with the Independence Police Department, the opportunity with ESPD arrived. One of his father’s fellow IPD officers recommended him for the job.
Since coming to Excelsior Springs, Kimsey said he worked everything from criminal to homicide. Although he said he enjoyed all areas, serving as a school resource officer stands out the most.
Watching the students grow, he said, made an impact on his life. He said he enjoyed making connections with the families.
Fines said his start with ESPS started simply with a classified ad. He said he already wanted to do police work. When he saw the department needed officers, he simply applied.
Also working in many capacities with the department, Fines said he enjoyed the detective work the most. He said he liked helping families find closure.
AFTER RETIREMENT
Kimsey and Fines have different plans for their retirement from ESPD. Kimsey began a new job Monday as Director of Safety and Security for the Excelsior Springs School District. He now finds himself back within the school district, helping to ensure the safety of all ESSD students.
Kimsey said he also plans to stay around the ESPD as a reserve officer. He said he’ll help out when his fellow officers need him during major events.
Fines made other after-retirement plans and already went to the lake. He said it still feels like a vacation.
After some time, he said he knows it will feel different. Hopefully, he said, retirement will have a positive impact on him. For now, he said he plans to spend time with grandchildren.
At the retirement party held last Friday, Lt. Paul White said reflecting back on Fines and Kimsey’s service proved to be emotional. He said he didn’t see a dry eye anywhere. Fines said he found it difficult to put into words how much the party meant to him. Calling the party emotional, Kimsey said the fellowship with his fellow officers was very nice.
White said being a police officer warrants a certain level of commitment which both officers showed throughout their years of service. He said Fines and Kimsey have shown themselves to be like brothers to him. Kimsey said he enjoyed watching Excelsior Springs grow over the years.
“It’s been a pleasure serving the community of Excelsior Springs,” he said.
White said being a police officer warrants a certain level of commitment which both officers showed throughout their years of service. He said Fines and Kimsey have shown themselves to be like brothers to him. ESPD’s Facebook page offered a tribute to the two officers as well.
“These two officer have done more for Excelsior Springs, and the children of our community than most will ever know.”
As in most retirements, ceasing radio traffic ended when dispatch said, “910, 909—Thank you for your years of service and dedication to the citizens of Excelsior Springs. You both will be missed greatly! May God bless you both. Enjoy your retirement! We show your final 10-42 at 1722.”