Combat Pilot Flys High at KCPD
Image of Captain Nate Simecek
Yearning for a college degree and wanting structure in his life, Nate Simecek thought he could find both, or at least a path towards them, in the military.
After graduating from high school, Simecek met with a recruiter.
“I came home and told my mom, ‘I think I’m going to go into the Air Force.’ She said, ‘Shouldn’t we pray about this?’ I said ‘It’s too late. I already signed up.’ I was 18, and it was a good decision.”
Simecek served four years in the Air Force as a Security Forces Specialist before joining the Platte County Sheriff’s Office. While there, he earned his degree in Criminal Justice from Missouri Western State University. However, after almost four years at Platte County, Simecek joined KCPD, his “land of opportunity.”
In addition to patrol, Simecek has served in many of the department’s specialized units – as a detective in the Sex Crimes Section and sergeant in the Crimes Against Children Section, and as a captain in the Communications Unit, the Property Crimes Section, and the Special Victims Unit. Today, Simecek is the commander of SWAT Team One.
“I’ve learned stuff in the military that has benefited me on the leadership side here at the police department,” Simecek said. “And there are things I’ve learned on the police department that have greatly benefited me in leadership roles in the military.”
In 2006, already four years into his KCPD career, Simecek enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard.
“I have a strong sense of duty to my community and country,” Simecek said. “Since the wars kicked off, I watched it and wanted to do my part. I’d always wanted to be a pilot, so I went to a recruiter and said I wanted to fly."
Simecek was accepted and attached to the 135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion out of Whiteman Air Force Base, eventually deploying as a company commander to Afghanistan in the Apache Helicopter Unit. When the battalion transitioned to Blackhawk helicopters, Simecek deployed as a pilot and staff officer to Iraq for more than a year. Upon his return, he ascended to the rank of Captain at KCPD, a rank he had earned before deployment and one that was waiting for him.
“The police department has been very, very good to me when it comes to military leave and serving my country,” Simecek emphasized.
Of all the roles he’s had, his most important and favorite is dad. The father of three has joy and pride being a good father, even with all of his work responsibilities.
“I enjoy finding the balance between family and here,” Simecek said. “It’s important to be well-grounded and have a support system. Being a good father is one of the most important things you can do.”
KCPD has police officer openings. Apply now.