North Platte Chief of Police to retire in November

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - North Platte’s Chief of Police is retiring after serving the city for three years.

Daniel Hudson announced his retirement to city officials last month. His last day is November 2, 2021.

Hudson was selected through a nationwide comprehensive recruitment process in 2018. He previously served the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for 26 years.

“It’s kind of ironic, we moved here to be closer to family in the Omaha area and now they all moved to Florida, so I think the more we looked at it, it’s just time,” Hudson said. “It’s been a tough year for law enforcement, in general. We’ve been very fortunate here to be supported the way we are but, it’s just time. It takes a toll. Again, as I’ve said, in other places, I’ve been in uniform since I was 18 years old, that’s almost 35 years, so whether it was in the United States Marine Corps or police uniform, my entire adult life has been in the service, either for my country or my community, so I think it was just time.”

In a press release, city officials said Hudson’s efforts focused on transforming North Platte’s Police Department with an emphasis on character, discipline, transparency and community policing. He has been very active in events throughout the community and has excelled in establishing a positive policing approach.

“I wish Chief Hudson the very best in his retirement,” said Mayor Brandon Kelliher. “Our community has benefited tremendously from his leadership. We will miss his calm, practical, and friendly approach to our town.”

“Chief Hudson has always been upbeat and enthusiastic about the city organization and most notably his force,” said City Administrator Matthew Kibbon. “He will be sorely missed by the City, but I know he is looking forward to the next chapter in his life.”

The city will initiate a recruitment process immediately to begin a search for a new chief. An interim police chief is not yet being discussed with city officials.

Hudson served five years in the United States Marine Corps. His Marine Corps service included assignments to Camp Lejeune, NC, Camp Pendleton, CA, Quantico, VA, American Embassy Tel Aviv, Israel and the American Embassy Kuwait City, Kuwait.