Parsons Police Graduates Officers from Leadership Labette

The Parsons Police Department is proud to announce the graduation of Lieutenant Kyle Wiford and Lieutenant Jason Ludwig from the 2024-2025 class of the Leadership Labette program. This past Thursday May 8th, 2025. This milestone continues the department's strong tradition of investing in leadership development and community engagement.

Leadership Labette is an nine-month community leadership development program grounded in the Kansas Leadership Center's Kansas Community Leadership Initiative (KCLI) and its Competencies for Civic Leadership. The program offers participants opportunities to deepen their understanding of leadership, explore community challenges, and develop skills that apply across business, civic, and personal environments. Starting as Leadership Parsons, the program has developed into Leadership Labette and now incorporates the entire county into is curriculum and training opportunities. 

Lieutenants Wiford and Ludwig join a growing list of Parsons Police Department personnel who have completed the program. Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd, a 2020-2021 graduate, currently serves on the program's Board of Directors as the Board President. In 2023-2024, Lieutenant Sherri McGuire and School Resource Officer Corporal Shyanne Dunn also completed the program.

The 2024-2025 class began in September 2024 with a successful impromptu fundraiser that raised over $3,400 for the Labette Community College Food Pantry. As part of the curriculum, participants engaged in teambuilding at Greenbush and attended a statewide leadership conference hosted by the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita. Monthly training featured panels of local professionals who shared insights into leadership and community development.

Lieutenant Wiford reflected on his experience, saying "This program has been a tremendous benefit to me and my classmates. The networking and relationships we've built are invaluable. The insight and strategies I've gained from exploring various leadership styles will make me a better citizen and public servant."

Lieutenant Ludwig added "The Wichita conference was an amazing opportunity to connect with leaders from across the state. Professionals from law enforcement, business, and higher education came together with one shared goal: to become better leaders and strengthen their communities."

Chief Robert Spinks commended the program and its impact on the department and the broader community saying "Leadership Labette continues to play a vital role in preparing our future leaders. I'm proud of Lieutenants Wiford and Ludwig for their dedication and congratulations on their achievement. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Leadership Labette in the years to come."

The Parsons Police Department remains committed to developing its officers and staff through leadership training and career development opportunities that strengthen both the department and the community it serves.

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