Mother’s Day: A Family Affair At KCPD

Tiffany Clevenger has an interesting perspective, being present at the beginning and end of career arcs at KCPD.

As a human resources specialist, Clevenger will help process new employees, assist military members who take leave, and be there when careers come to a close.

“What I love most about my job is helping people prepare for retirement,” Clevenger said. “While it stinks that our department loses good people, it's exciting that people work so hard and get to enjoy it. It's exciting to walk alongside these people and show them it'll be okay.”

Clevenger has been with KCPD for more than 26 years, starting out as a call taker immediately after high school graduation. She would become a dispatcher and then a typist in the Violent Crimes Division, documenting suspect and witness interviews, before transferring to Human Resources in 2014.

Though she left her small town (Lawson, Mo.) after graduation, Clevenger’s roots came with her. She married her high school sweetheart, who, years later, would become a KCPD officer. Today, he is a detective. Their oldest son is a rookie officer, while their youngest son will graduate from the police academy in August. Clevenger’s daughter is in college with plans of a healthcare profession.

“KCPD has provided for my family, given me jobs I have loved and allowed me to be a mother to my children at the same time,” Clevenger said. “I never missed school parties or functions or doctor’s appointments. Being present for my children along the way afforded me a balance that I am extremely grateful for.”

The family investment into KCPD, Clevenger said, reflects the department’s treatment toward the family. The department has given it the opportunity to build dreams and serve others. Her heart is full and with appreciation every day, especially on Mother’s Day.

“Some of these holidays, I believe, we should do every day,” Clevenger said. “Our mothers should always know that we love them and we appreciate them. Mother's Day, to me, is being able to take the time to spend with my mom, who I'm lucky to have, my 91-year-old grandmother, that I'm still blessed to have. It's a day that is good to set aside and be together and be thankful for the women in our lives.”

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