Independence Police Announce Officer Retirement

IPD issued the following announcement:

Officer Head Retirement Notification

“Officer Tommy Head medically retires from a duty related injury effective May 1, 2021.Officer Head served 24 years as a law enforcement officer with the last 17 years with the Independence Police Department. He was hired by IPD in 2004 after working seven years as a Deputy with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department. While a Sheriff’s Deputy he also served in the Army Reserve after an active duty enlistment period in the Army. Officer Head served in uniform patrol at IPD until January of 2013 when he was selected to be a Task Force Officer (TFO) for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). While at the DEA, Officer Head worked undercover on federal cases combating drug trafficking organizations originating in Mexico. His work there was crucial in helping stop the flow of illegal drugs as well as obtaining a large amount of federal asset forfeiture funds for the Independence Police Department. He also served on the DEA’s tactical team in that assignment. Officer Head served as a TFO until 2018 when he was transferred to the Patrol Division. He has served in that capacity until his retirement. While serving as a patrol officer, he was also a Field Training Officer, Acting Sergeant, Crisis Negotiation Team member, Firearms Instructor and an EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) Instructor. In his time at IPD, Officer Head has received 32 documented letters of commendation, recognition and appreciation and two Lifesaving Awards. Officer Head was also recognized as the police department’s Officer of the Month in October of 2007 for his actions on a medical call. We wish Officer Head well in his future endeavors and thank him for his many years of faithful service to this community.“