HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson has its new police chief. City Manager John Deardoff announced late Friday afternoon that Jeff Hooper will fill the position left open by the retirement of Dick Heitschmidt.

Hooper is currently a captain with the joint Riley County/Manhattan Police Department. He has 27 years of experience in law enforcement and 14 as captain.

Hooper has a B.S. in Sociology/Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy. Deardoff believes Hooper’s educational accomplishments, leadership abilities and broad law
enforcement experience make him a perfect fit for the Hutchinson Police Department. “I am really excited about the energy and professionalism Jeff will bring to our Department and look
forward to working with him.”

Hooper said “I am extremely honored for the opportunity to serve the City of Hutchinson as its next Chief of Police. I have been humbled by commitment shown by the city staff, members of the public, and the men and women of the Hutchinson Police Department.”

Hooper was actually a finalist for the chief’s position with his current department, but withdrew his name from consideration to take the job in Hutchinson.

Hooper takes over his new duties Oct. 22. In the meantime, the department is being led by Interim Chief Alan Stoecklein.