Military And Veterans
Two Kearney Police Officers promoted to Sergeant
Two Kearney Police Officers promoted to Sergeant
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Kearney, Nebraska
KEARNEY — The Kearney Police Department recently announced the promotions of Officer Derrick Hosick and Officer Austin Hibberd to the rank of Police Sergeant. This elevation came after available positions arose from Lieutenant promotions, and both officers successfully navigated a demanding four-step selection process overseen by the Civil Service Commission. The commission’s recommendations were submitted to the City Manager, with the final decision resulting in the selection of these two dedicated officers.
Sergeant Hosick has been serving as a Police Officer since 2014 and transitioned from the Beatrice Police Department to the Kearney Police Department (KPD) in 2023. His previous service includes roles as a Police Service Dog Handler, Special Weapons and Tactics Operator (SWAT), and Patrol Sergeant. At KPD, Hosick has handled several significant positions, serving as a Motor Officer, Drone Operator, and Field Training Officer, and has even taken charge as the Police Officer in Charge during various situations.
In addition to his operational accomplishments, Hosick has taken an active role in community engagement. He has served as the State Regional Coordinator for Special Olympics-Nebraska, managing the Law Enforcement Torch Run initiated by his department. Hosick's educational background includes graduating from Kearney High School and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Sergeant Hibberd, another accomplishment-driven officer, joined KPD in 2019 after previously working as a Corrections Officer with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office. His diverse experience has seen him rise through the ranks, taking on roles such as Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, and eventually, Team Leader for the Emergency Services Unit Team (ESU).
Hibberd has also been recognized for his exceptional service, receiving the prestigious award of Police Officer Association of Nebraska’s (POAN) 2025 Officer of the Year, a testament to his exemplary leadership and commitment to law enforcement. Like Hosick, he graduated from Kearney High School and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
In a recent statement, Chief Gabe Kowalek expressed appreciation for both sergeants, highlighting their leadership qualities and commitment to community safety. “Both Sergeant Hosick and Sergeant Hibberd have shown a great deal of leadership qualities and potential within our organization. Both Officers are fully committed to building public trust and ensuring community safety. KPD is blessed to have these two hardworking and caring individuals represent our organization, and I am excited to watch their careers continue to evolve,” Kowalek stated.
An official promotion ceremony is set to occur on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. during the Kearney City Council meeting at City Hall, where a formal swearing-in and badge pinning will take place. This ceremony will not only recognize the hard work of the promoted officers but will also serve as a reminder of the commitment that the Kearney Police Department holds towards serving and protecting its community.
As we reflect on the importance of such promotions within law enforcement, it’s critical to recognize the impact of strong leadership in the community. With advocates for public safety like Hosick and Hibberd, Kearney can look forward to a brighter future with enhanced public trust and community relations.
This elevation in ranks emphasizes the importance of strong leadership within police departments, particularly in building relationships with the communities they serve. As more departments focus on community engagement and transparency, the roles played by dedicated officers like Hosick and Hibberd become increasingly significant. Their experiences and leadership are crucial in fostering a culture of trust and cooperation. Moreover, as we observe trends across law enforcement agencies in Nebraska, it’s essential to watch how these relationships evolve and the positive impacts they can have on community safety and morale.