Marine, Translator Earns Sergeant Promotion

Image of Sergeant Albert Villafain

A father to four girls and one boy, Albert Villafain knows how to lead.

That experience will serve him well as a newly promoted sergeant at Central Patrol Division. Between his experience as a dad, a Marine, and an officer, Villafain has developed a keen self-awareness. “You have to lead in different ways, and if you’re a good leader, they’ll listen to your advice.”

Villafain grew up in the Bronx in a crime-ridden area filled with drugs and violence. The environment motivated him to get out, which he did by joining the Marine Corps in 2000. Villafain deployed three times after 9/11, serving all around the world. But it was a trip on leave – visiting his sister in Kansas City – that changed his life. Villafain liked Kansas City and decided to move.

Wanting to continue to serve, in 2007, Villafain joined KCPD. Early on, the Spanish-speaking officer of Mexican heritage helped put an end to a crime spree where criminals were robbing Hispanics, specifically those who didn’t speak English. Over the years, he served as a Field Training Officer (FTO), worked in the Helicopter Unit, and the downtown foot beat.

Some of Villafain’s most proud work, however, has been when he’s been able to use his Spanish. Villafain is one of KCPD’s certified translators, and countless times, he’s been able to help people who had struggled to communicate.

“I’ll get called to scenes, or I’ll get called on the phone,” Villafain said. “I’m happy to serve however I can.”

#HispanicHeritageMonth

KCPD has police officer openings. Interested? Apply here.