Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
The El Dorado Police Chief was recently appointed to as Vice President of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, something he says is an honor to serve.
The Kansas Association of Chiefs Police, (KACP), is an organization comprised of law enforcement leaders across the state who represent Kansas law enforcement agencies.
When El Dorado Police Chief Michael Holton was elected as Vice President on September 26, he said he made the same promise he did to the city of El Dorado.
“Well, it’s an honor for me to have the opportunity to serve this organization as the Vice President,” said Chief Holton. “I’m very humbled by the fact that people entrust me to that position. As I told them, I will give them the same drive and dedication that I give to the El Dorado Police Department when it comes to representing our organization at a state level.”
The group administers community service programs, gives awards, coordinates training conferences, mentors members and lobbies in Topeka as a group in the interest of law enforcement agencies.
“What we do is we expand our presence and work closely with legislators and lobbyists to ensure that the association has a proactive role in shaping criminal justice and policing laws,” said Chief Holton.
Chief Holton began his career in law enforcement in 1989 with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office as a dispatcher and detention officer where he served for one and a half years before moving into patrol with the Sheriff’s Office. He graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in 1992 with the 120th Basic Class, serving in patrol for 25 years. During that time, he earned the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant and Lieutenant.
In 2014 Chief Holton joined the El Dorado Police Department as a Patrol Officer, earning the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant. He was appointed the Chief of Police in March 2022 where he still serves. During his time in law enforcement, he served 16 years on the Butler County SWAT team.
He says his favorite part of his job is doing what he believes people are intended to do; Serve others.
“I enjoy serving people,” said Chief Holton. “You know, people don’t think that being in this profession might be so prestigious, but to be able to serve others is exactly what we’re supposed to be doing. We’re supposed to be serving each other. That’s what I’m led by.”
He will serve two years as Vice President of KACP then two years as President, then two years as a Past President.
