Staff
Staff
Darin Beck is only the fourth person to serve as Director of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center since it was created in the Legislature in 1968. Beck was appointed Executive Director in June of 2018 after having served in a variety of positions at KLETC over nearly 19 years.
Beck holds a Juris Doctor from the Baylor University school of law, a Masters in Adult Education from Newman University, and Bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Business Administration from Wichita State University. He is a graduate of the US Army’s Command and General Staff College and the FBI’s Central States LEEDS.
Ron served as Associate Director of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center from 1996-2006 after serving on the Winfield Police Department for 16 years, the last 5 years as Chief of Police. He left KLETC to pursue other opportunities and returned to KLETC as Assistant Director in 2015. Ron was appointed as Deputy Executive Director in July 2018.
He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Wichita State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy as well as a graduate from Leadership Kansas. He is a past-president and life member of the Kansas Peace Officers Association and has served on the training committees of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police and the Kansas Sheriff’s Association.
Tim Brant joined KLETC in November 2016 following his retirement from 29 years of service at the Derby Police Department. During his time at Derby PD, Tim served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Deputy Chief. He has managed many key department operations including purchasing, budget and finance, training, professional standards investigations, patrol operations, and criminal investigations.
Tim has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Management from Wichita State University. He has a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University. He is a graduate of the 237th session of the FBI National Academy and the 27th session of the Central States Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.
Alvin Sowers joined the KLETC staff in 2000. Alvin has 18 years of law enforcement experience, serving that time with the Lyons Police Department. While he served with the Lyons PD, he became a sergeant and worked on major case investigations. He has earned an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Barton County Community College. He also holds a Baccalaureate degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master in Science in the field of Management from Friends University. He is a graduate of the 81st Basic Training Session at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
Heather joined the KLETC staff after serving 9 years as the Associate Director of the Regional Community Policing Training Institute (RCPI) at Wichita State University. In her tenure with the RCPI, she provided training and technical assistance to Law Enforcement Agencies and Professional Organizations in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa. Heather holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Wichita State University.
Amy joined the KLETC staff in 2018. She previously spent 21 years with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy, patrol sergeant, detective, and training sergeant and was assigned to exploited and missing persons and narcotics during that time. Amy has a bachelor’s degree from WSU and a Masters degree from Webster University.
In addition to teaching many courses at the Sedgwick County/Wichita PD academies, she has taught as an adjunct instructor at Wichita State University and Newman University. She is a member of the Wichita Crime Commission, the Opioids Awareness and Training Board, Wichita Crime Stoppers Board and is a certified Yoga instructor with emphasis on Yoga For First Responders. Amy is also busy with her family and school events.
Dr. Wong joined KLETC in 2019. Previously, he served as Dean of School of Business and Public Leadership at the University of North Texas at Dallas, Associate Dean of the College of Business at the University of Dallas, and Director of the School of Public Affairs at Wichita State University. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Arts in Economics degrees from Wichita State University, a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Northeastern University.
He is also licensed to practice law in Kansas State and Federal Courts as well as the U.S. Supreme Court.
Brian joined the KLETC staff in 2006. He is currently the General Maintenance Repair Technician, Senior
Darren joined the KLETC staff in 2016. He retired after 29 years with the Gurnee, Illinois Police Department during which he held positions including SWAT team member, firearms instructor, DT instructor, undercover drug agent, undercover drug supervisor, Use of force instructor, and community policing specialist. He also spent six years as a school resource office/instructor. Further, he has taught classes at the Illinois State Police Academy, Criminal Justice Institute and for the North East Multi-Regional Training (NEMRT), specializing in use of force and drug identification/investigations. Darren holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Concordia University, and a Master’s Degree from Western Illinois University.
James Baney joined the KLETC instructional staff in 2018. James began as a corrections officer with the El Dorado Correctional Facility in 2003. In 2006, he became a police officer with the Derby Police Department. James held positions as a patrol officer, school resource officer, D.A.R.E. officer, master police officer, field training officer, detective, special operations team member, and patrol sergeant. James has a Bachelor’s Degree from Wichita State University and is a graduate from the 190th KLETC basic class.
Chris started his career with the Kingman County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer and has worked as a Natural Resource Officer and Area Manager for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks since 2002. He has a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and an Associate’s Degree from Colby Community College. He is certified through the KLETC defensive tactics instructor program, the KLETC FTO program, is a certified instructor in OC, baton, handcuffing, CLAMP, ASP, Tac Med, and recently attended the Bob Pike Train-the Trainer Boot Camp.
He is the recipient of the KDWP Award for Valor for a life-saving water rescue. He also has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He currently serves as a part-time officer for Cheney PD. He has assisted at KLETC as a guest instructor in officer survival and vehicle stops.
TK Bridges joined the KLETC staff in 2009 after retiring from the Wichita Police Department with 25 years of service. His background in law enforcement includes patrol, narcotics, SWAT, internal affairs, firearms instructor, as well as supervision of robbery, sex crimes, domestic violence, child abuse and homicide investigations. TK holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Friends University.
Scot joined the KLETC instructional staff in July 2011 after serving over six years as the Anderson County Sheriff. He began his law enforcement career in 1995 as an Anderson County KS deputy sheriff. Following his employment with Anderson County, Scot worked for the Louisburg KS police department from 1997 - 1999 serving as a patrol officer, school resource officer and D.A.R.E. officer. In a brief absence from law enforcement, Scot entered the classroom as a high school teacher in USD 365, Garnett KS until his election in 2005 as the Anderson County Sheriff. Scot is a graduate of Emporia State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration”.
James began his law enforcement career in 1990 with the Wichita Police Department where he retired after 24 years of service. During that time he serviced as a patrol officer, community police officer, detective, Stop Stick instructor, patrol sergeant, and community policing sergeant. James holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University and a Master’s Degree from Friends University.
Kyle joined the KLETC staff in January 2020. He obtained his Bachelors of General Studies in Economics and Business Minor from the University of Kansas in 2008, and a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University School of Law in 2011.
Upon graduation he practiced family law for several years before switching his legal focus to the practice of criminal law. In 2016, he joined the Sedgwick County Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender, where he provided legal representation and trial counsel to indigent people charged with serious felony offenses.
In 2019, he became a Trial Attorney with the Sedgwick County Conflicts Office. During his time with the Public Defender’s Office and the Conflicts Office he became highly versed in criminal law, and acquired impressive jury trial experience in cases ranging in complexity from homicide to theft. Kyle is also a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Bryan joined the KLETC instructional staff in 2019. Before that he served over 11 years as a police officer with the Hutchinson Police Department. During his time, he was a Field Training Officer and operator with the Emergency Response Team.
Bryan was a graduate of the 195th KLETC basic class and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University.
Jenny Caywood joined the KLETC staff in 2016 as the Registrar for Professional Development after working 13 years in public education. In 2019 she became a Program Coordinator for Professional Development. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Sterling College.
Ben Duran grew up in Pretty Prairie, KS. He joined KLETC in April of 2018. Prior to that he worked for The Summit, in Hutchinson. Where he served as the I.T. Specialist. Ben has over 7 years of experience in I.T. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Western Governor’s University.
Zach joined KLETC in 2019.
Jeff Elston began his Kansas law enforcement career in 1994 as a deputy sheriff with Cowley County, and in 1999 he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. As sergeant, he supervised all Cowley County deputies, served as a departmental firearms instructor and was responsible for oversight of the agency's firearms policy and training manuals. Additionally, from 2000 until 2002, Jeff served as a part-time Conservation Officer with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern College, Winfield, and is a graduate of KLETC's 135th Basic in 1995. He holds numerous training certifications including, but not limited to, KLETC certified firearms instructor, Taser instructor, Select-fire weapon instructor, Patrol rifle instructor.
Angie joined the KLETC staff after serving 25 years in the United States Air Force. She spent 16 or her 25 years in the military as an instructor, where she provided leadership and management training to Airmen all over the world. After retiring she taught JROTC in Colorado Springs, CO for 5 years. Angie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University.
Gregory Flax joins the KLETC after serving on the IT Staff at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park where he coordinated technology support for faculty, staff, and events management. Gregory has a background with IT in multiple industries including energy, finance, education, manufacturing, and biotechnology. His work experience includes application development, business analysis, project management, and various leadership roles.
Gregory owned two consulting businesses delivering collaborative application development and infrastructure administration. In his role as President and CIO, he provided management and leadership in day-to-day business operations in conjunction with directing resources in the delivery of technology to support business and technical goals. Gregory graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in Data Processing and subsequently a Master’s in Business Administration. He enjoys hunting and fishing but more so spending time with his wife and keeping up with the endeavors of his children.
Ian Fulks began his Kansas law enforcement career in 1996 as a deputy sheriff with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. In 1998, he moved to a patrol officer position with the Overland Park Police Department. During his tenure with Overland Park, Ian was trained and utilized as a SWAT entry officer and assigned as a tactics and physical training instructor at the Johnson County Police Academy. Ian holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, Missouri and he is a graduate of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center's 144th Basic in 1997. He holds numerous training certifications including, but not limited to, ASP Tactics instructor, Pressure Point Control Tactics Full Defensive Tactics instructor, Elite System Ground Fighting instructor, and NLETC Tactics Instructor Trainer.
Barbara Harrison joined KLETC in 2019. Prior to joining KLETC, Barbara worked for the judicial systems in both Kansas and Colorado.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Metro State University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Public Administration at Wichita State University.
Jon joined KLETC in 2019. He retired with 20 years of service with the Kansas Army National Guard as an equipment operator, Public Affairs Representative, Career Counselor, and squad leader. Jon did two combat tours to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Jon has several years of maintenance background working his way up from a tech to supervisor to Maintenance Manager. When not at work, Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids.
Megan joined the KLETC staff in 2020. Prior to that, she worked in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. Megan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, and certificates in human resources and leadership studies from Fort Hays State University.
Maria joined the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in 2014.
Jeremy Hoover grew up in Greensburg, KS and started his IT career at the age of 19. In 2002 he joined the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office as a Part Time Deputy where he continues to serve to this day. In 2007 he survived the EF5 Greensburg Tornado and assisted in the rebuilding of Greensburg, KS. In 2011 he accepted a position with the Kiowa County Memorial Hospital as the IT / Maintenance Director. In December of 2017 he accepted an IT position with the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
Bruce Jolliff joined the KLETC staff in 2004, after serving 20 years with the Newton Police Department where he served as a patrol officer, detective, patrol commander and investigations commander. He has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Friend's University. Bruce is a member of the FBINAA having graduated in 1998 from the 192nd session at Quantico. He graduated from KLETC in 1981 in the 67th basic session.
Mary Ellen joined KLETC in 2019. Before that, she served as a public school teacher at various grades and subjects 5-12 for 23 years. She started her career in Grants, New Mexico and finished her years of public school service in Pretty Prairie, Kansas. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She recently graduated from WSU with a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design.
Phil Lemen joined the KLETC staff in 1999, bringing with him many years of maintenance experience. As Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, Phil supervises one full-time and three part-time maintenance employees.
Jason joined KLETC in 2013. Prior to that, he worked at UMKC for three years serving as the Assistant Production Manager for Information Services. Jason has over 20 years experience in broadcasting, video production and media design. He holds degrees in Radio/TV Production and Media Design from Kent State University and the University of Cincinnati, and a Masters in Digitial Content Strategy from the University of Kansas.
Troy served 24 years with the Wichita Police Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief. He also served as an officer with the Liberal, KS Police Department.
Troy has a Master's in Public Administration and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, both from Wichita State University. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown, and an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice from Seward County Community College. Troy completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (274th Session), Major Cities Chief's Association Police Executive Leadership Institute (Session IV), Northwestern University's School for Police Staff and Command (Class 381), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Central States Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (17th Session). Finally, Livingston graduated from the Wichita-Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Training Center, as well as the KLETC (117th Basic).
Lane Mangels joined the KLETC instructional staff in 2019. He was employed by the Salina Police Department for 18 years. During his career, he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, narcotics detective, canine handler, and criminal detective. He was also an instructor in Fair and Impartial Policing, Mental Health First Aid, and Responding to Persons with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. As a detective, he specialized in mental health cases and crimes against children. He established the Salina-Saline County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Council in 2014 and was named the NAMI Kansas CIT Officer of the Year in 2017. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Tabor College and serves as a part-time officer for the Lindsborg Police Department.
Robert joined the KLETC staff in 2019. He retired after 28 years of Kansas law enforcement experience; the last eight years as Chief of Police for the McPherson, and 20 years prior with the Hutchinson Police Department. Robert is a graduate of the FBI National Academy #261, and of the KU Law Enforcement Leadership Academy Command School, where he also earned his Certified Public Manager Certification. Robert earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Central Christian College of Kansas.
During his law enforcement career he worked his way through the ranks as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Administrative Sergeant/Training Director, Professional Standards Lieutenant, and Chief. He also held positions including: Emergency Response Team Operator, Team Leader, and Tactical Commander, along with firearms instructor, and instructor of several other police skills.
Yvette joined the KLETC staff in 1992. Prior to that, she worked at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility for 7 years, where she worked in the Records Department.
Steve joined the KLETC staff in September, 2016. Prior to that time, Steve was a Police officer in Shawnee, Kansas (ret.) and Garden City, Kansas. Steve has worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Training Sergeant, and Traffic Sergeant. Steve is a firearms instructor and his additional experience includes teaching as an adjunct instructor at the Johnson County Regional Police Academy. Steve holds a Master’s Degree in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Friends University, and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Pam joined the KLETC staff in August 2016. Pam has over twenty years of trial experience as a criminal defense attorney. She has tried over 150 criminal jury and bench trials. She has tried cases ranging in complexity from murder to disorderly conduct. She has worked as private defense counsel all over East Central Kansas. She was an Assistant Public Defender at the Sedgwick County Public Defender’s Office and Senior Trial Counsel at the Sedgwick County Conflicts Office.
Pam is licensed to practice law in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Connecticut. She holds a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma.
Taylor joined the KLETC staff in 2014. She has a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and management. Prior to coming to KLETC, she worked as a marketing consultant and retail associate.
Mike Metzler joined the KLETC staff in 2011 after retiring from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation with 22 years of service. After graduating from Wichita State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Administration of Justice, he joined the Wichita Police Department where he served in the Patrol Division for 10 years and was also a Field Training Officer. In 1990 Mike was hired by the K.B.I. where he was assigned to narcotics investigations and later to field investigations. During this time he was a certified firearms instructor and the Firearms Training Coordinator. In 2008 Mike was assigned to the Training Unit as the Training Coordinator for the agency.
Carol joined the KLETC staff in 2003. Carol worked 18 years prior to coming to KLETC for the Department of Social and Rehabilitations Services, where she worked as a legal secretary for Child Support Enforcement Services.
David Ohlde joined KLETC as a Police Instructor in 2019. He has over 21 years of military service, including four years on active duty in the Army as a Communication Specialist and then with the Kansas National Guard as a Military Policeman until his retirement in 2012. In the Army, David served during Desert Storm, and while in the Kansas Guard, he deployed to Kosovo and Africa. David joined the Marysville Police Department in 2005, graduating from KLETC in the 182nd Basic Class.
While at the Marysville Police Department, he worked as the SRO, DARE officer, training officer and seven years as the Assistant Chief of Police. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Communications Technology from Northwest Kansas Vo-Tech and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Central Christian College.
Karen joined the KLETC staff in 2005. Prior to that she worked at Hanover Measurement for 11 years.
Mike joined the KLETC staff in 2019. He started his law enforcement career in 2006 with the Riley County Police Department as a Patrol Officer. In 2008, he moved to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks at Cheney State Park as a Natural Resource Officer. He was the Range Master in Region 4 for 10 years supervising firearms training.
His last assignment was the Manager of Cheney State Park. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Kansas State University and is a graduate of the 190th KLETC basic class.
Debra joined the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in 2017.
Steve joined the KLETC staff in October 2011 after serving six years at the Kechi Police Department where he worked as an officer, Sergeant, Interim Chief, and eventually the Chief of Police. While working in Kechi he attended Southwestern College where he earned his BS degree in Criminal Justice. He began his law enforcement career working for the Harvey County Sheriff's Department as a detention deputy after graduating from Cowley County Community College with an Associates of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. After working in the jail for two and a half years, he was hired at the Halstead Police Department graduating from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in May of 2000 as a member of the 159th Basic class. Steve spent six years with the Halstead Police Department before being hired at Kechi.
Michael joined the KLETC instructional staff in 2019. He was a graduate and President of the 227th KLETC basic class. Michael served over 5 years with the Wichita State University Police Department as a police officer and patrol sergeant. During his time, he was a Field Training Officer and Field Training Sergeant, while also an A.L.I.C.E. instructor for the WSU faculty, staff, and students. Michael completed the FBI-LEEDA’s 311th session of Supervisor Leadership Institute for Law Enforcement Executives. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, both from Wichita State University.
Susie joined the KLETC staff in March 2010. She has a Bachelor's degree in Business and Accounting from Wichita State University. Susie has previously served in the position of Accountant in the Business Offices of the following colleges: Hutchinson Community College, Friends University, McPherson College and ACCK of McPherson, Kansas.
Gary joined the KLETC instructional staff in September 2015 after retiring from the Kansas Highway Patrol with over 27 years of service. In October 1987 he graduated from the KHP Training Academy and was stationed in Marion County. In 1993 he transferred to Stafford County where he remained until he was promoted to Sergeant as Troop F/Wichita Public Resource Officer in 2000. His background in law enforcement includes patrol, collision investigation, field training officer, background investigation and media relations.
Gary holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice from Barton Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Fort Hays State University.
Thomas Watts joined the KLETC staff in 2015. He started his law enforcement career with Emporia PD in 2005. In 2008, he began working for the Kansas State University Police Department in Manhattan. Thomas then went to the South Hutchinson Police Department in 2009 where he served as the department’s firearms instructor, field training officer, and crime prevention liaison. Thomas is a KLETC certified firearms instructor and graduate of the 185th basic class. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Central Christian College of Kansas.
Josh White comes to KLETC after serving 7 years with the Reno County Sheriff's Office in Hutchinson, KS. Josh graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology, after earning his Associate's in Criminal Justice at Colby Community College. After graduating, Josh joined the Reno County Sheriff's Office as a Jail Deputy and was soon promoted to the Patrol Division. He was a Field Training Officer for 4 1/2 years conducting basic patrol training, policy & procedure and specific in-service training on Pursuit, Traffic Stops, DUI's and Emergency Vehicle Operations. Josh was a leading member of the Sheriff's Honor Guard performing in numerous ceremonies and memorials. He also served as a Seasonal Park Ranger for Kansas Wildlife & Parks for 4 1/2 years and is a Certified Firearms Instructor.
Curtis joined the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in 2014.