Meg Matthews

Public Relations Manager

mmatthews@littlerock.gov

(501) 804-4822

(501) 371-4421

Media Advisory

What: Installation Ceremony for New Little Rock Police Department

Chief of Police Kenton Buckner

When: Monday, June 30, 2014 – 9:00 a.m.

Where: Little Rock City Hall – 500 West Markham St.

The City of Little Rock will hold an installation ceremony for the new Chief of Police Kenton Buckner on Monday, June 30^th at 9:00 a.m. in the rotunda of City Hall. District Court Judge Alice Lightle will administer the oath.

Chief Buckner takes over the largest department in the City of Little Rock from Stuart Thomas, who retired after 35 years on the force. The new LRPD Chief was Assistant Chief of the Louisville Kentucky Police Department prior to accepting his new position. Chief Buckner started with the Louisville Metro Police Department as an Officer and rose through the ranks to Sergeant (2004), Lieutenant (2008), and Major (2009).  He has worked as a patrolman and plainclothes detective and has overseen homicide investigations, training, patrol, special operations, SWAT, community relations, major crimes, and narcotics/intelligence.

“With his comprehensive understanding of complex issues from police professionalism to  community involvement, Chief Buckner will be a significant addition to the City of Little Rock’s commitment to public safety,” said City Manager Bruce Moore

Buckner has a bachelor’s degree in Police Administration and a master’s degree in Safety, Security and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University. He also graduated from the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officer’s Course and the NOBLE Chief Executive Officer Mentoring Program at Cedarville College.

A reception will be held following the ceremony Monday morning.