Tony Cordova, left, and J.C. Small, right, take their oath of office after being promoted to Lieutenant, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — A recognition ceremony was held for the promotion of Tony Cordova and J.C. Small to the rank of Lieutenant in the Kearney Police Department during the meeting to the city council on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Gabe Kowalek, KPD’s Chief of Police, said that this promotion is well earned for both men have had “stellar careers.”
Kowalek said that J.C. Small has had a 20-year career with the KPD and a is Kearney native, having attended both Kearney High School and the University of Nebraska – Kearney. It was also noted that Small’s father was a deputy with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office.
Small had been part of the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) team for 10 years and was currently serving as the special services sergeant, which includes overseeing the School Resource Officers and helping to coordinate police presence at public events.
Cordova is a 30-year veteran of the KPD, having started out as a patrol officer, Kowalek said. He had also served on the narcotics team, including undercover work. Cordova was also one of the founding members of KPS’s ESU team.
In addition, Cordova also served seven years as an investigative sergeant and earned his credentials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Kowalek concluded by saying that both men have shown a continued dedication to Kearney and its residents and that theirs is an example of the “constant, daily hard work” it takes to be successful.
