The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas will formally dedicate the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department located within the Tribal Judicial and Law Enforcement Center in memory of Police Chief Tom Conklin on Wednesday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the center, located on the Kickapoo Reservation. Keynote speaker for the event will be Barry R. Grissom, United States Attorney for the District of Kansas.

Thomas L. Conklin, Jr. (Tat-Kosh-Kuk) served as Police Chief of the Kickapoo Tribe from May 8, 2001 until his death in an automobile accident on July 9, 2009. He was a respected member of the law enforcement community, a tribal and civic leader, loving husband, father, son and brother.

Tribal Chairman Steve Cadue said, “I can think of no better person in which to dedicate the Tribal Police Department to than Chief Tom Conklin. He was a respected leader of the Kickapoo Tribe and a great friend to me. But more important, he was a dedicated law enforcement officer who took his job seriously, but always had a friendly smile and he served our community with honor.”

Tom was graduated from the Hutchinson Police Academy and began working for the Kickapoo Police Department as a Patrolman prior to his appointment as Police Chief. Prior to becoming a law enforcement officer, Tom was a graduate of Jackson Heights High School and he also served as a member of the Kickapoo Tribal Council, including four years as Treasurer.

Tom is survived by his wife, Marcella and three daughters from his marriage to Merriam: Ashlyn, Kira and Kizzie. Tom is also survived by his mother, Nellie Cadue, two sisters and a brother.

The Kickapoo Tribe completed construction of its $400,000 Justice Center in April of 2008. The facility is home to the tribal police department, tribal social services and the child support enforcement program.

Friends of the family of Chief Tom Conklin are invited to attend this dedication ceremony. For more information, please contact the tribal offices or Chairman Steve Cadue.