KCPD’s Sergeant Ward Smith, 2016 NRA Law Enforcement Instructor of the Year

Publish Date 02/16/2017

For more information, contact:
KCPD Sergeant Ward Smith
816-719-8428

The National Rifle Association chose Sergeant Ward Smith of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department as the 2016 NRA Law Enforcement Instructor of the Year.

Sergeant Smith is a 29-year veteran with the KCPD and has been assigned to the Firearms Training and Tactics Section since 2006. He holds several NRA Law Enforcement certifications, is a certified Force Science Institute Force Analyst, and has authored articles on firearms training and use of force.

Sergeant Smith and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department Firearms Training and Tactics staff are responsible for tri-annual training the members of their agency, which totals over 16,000 man-hours of training each year. Additionally, they provide mandatory training for Kansas City’s 2,200+ privately licensed security officers and 120+ hours of training for each Kansas City Missouri Regional Training Academy recruit class.

Sergeant Smith stays active in regional firearms competitions, including the Johnson County Kansas Sheriff Department Shootout, which benefits Special Olympics and the Kansas City Metro Crime Commission Border Showdown. The Border Showdown pits the best shooters from Kansas and Missouri against each other and benefits the Surviving Spouse and Family Endowment Fund, S.A.F.E. Program, supporting the families of fallen officers. Sergeant Smith won the individual competition in 2015 and 2016.

Over the last several years, the KCPD has been at the forefront of firearms training in regard to De-escalation Techniques and Controlling Proximity during critical incidents. The Firearms Training and Tactics Section staff has been recognized nationally for the training developed to address these issues.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Five million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

Sergeant Smith will receive a plaque and firearm, donated by Smith & Wesson, in recognition for his achievement.