Kearney Police Department, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Kearney Police Department is pleased to announce the promotions of Officer Derrick Hosick and Officer Austin Hibberd to the rank of Police Sergeant.
These positions became available following Lieutenant promotions. After a competitive four-step process, the Civil Service Commission submitted their recommendations to the City Manager, at which time Sergeant Hosick and Sergeant Hibberd were selected.
Both Sergeants will serve in the Uniform Patrol Bureau.
Sergeant Hosick has been a Police Officer since 2014 and served with the Beatrice Police Department prior to being hired by KPD in 2023. Hosick has experience as a Police Service Dog Handler, Special Weapons and Tactics Operator (SWAT), and Patrol Sergeant while with Beatrice.
While at KPD, Hosick has served as a Motor Officer, Drone Operator, Field Training Officer, and Police Officer in Charge.
Hosick had the privilege of being the State Regional Coordinator for Special Olympics-Nebraska and still coordinates KPD’s Law Enforcement Torch Run. Hosick is a graduate of Kearney High School and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Sergeant Hibberd has been a Patrol Officer with KPD since 2019, and was employed as a Corrections Officer with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office prior to 2019. Hibberd has served as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Police Officer in Charge, and is the Emergency Services Unit Team Leader (ESU).
Hibberd also had the honor of being named the Police Officer Association of Nebraska’s (POAN) 2025 Officer of the Year. Hibberd is a graduate of Kearney High School and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“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 hard working and caring individuals represent our organization and I am excited to watch their careers continue to evolve.” Chief Gabe Kowalek said.
An official promotion ceremony, including swearing in and badge pinning, is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. during the Kearney City Council meeting at City Hall.
Check out our website at www.cityofkearney.org
