Naturalized Citizen Joins KCPD, Gives Back To KC
Image of Officer Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera could wake up in the middle of the night, open his eyes, and see the moon. Made of palm trees, his home in El Salvador gave little protection from the elements or the gangs that threatened to kill him if he wouldn’t join them.
“I’m not doing that,” Rivera told them. “It got to the point where I had them at three in the morning sharpening machetes on my face, and multiple times.”
In 2019, Rivera received a green card from the United States, allowing him to escape. His father had remarried and was living in Kansas City. Rivera joined him here, at 18, not knowing any English. Once here, Rivera began reading second- and third-grade-level books. He immersed himself at East High School, learning the language within six months.
Wanting to show gratitude to Kansas City for making him feel safe, Rivera pondered public service.
“When I came to this city, it felt like home,” Rivera said. “I came here and I felt safe, and I wanted to give back.”
He considered teaching and the Army until a moment with his father made things clear.
“I was driving with my dad going west on 75th from Holmes, Rivera recalled. “He said, ‘Oh, there’s a very young officer.’ There was an officer who pulled someone over in front of us. He was super young. I said, ‘I bet I could be an officer.’ My dad agreed and said, ‘That was my dream as a kid.’ Really?? And that’s when I started considering it.”
Since arriving in 2019, Rivera applied for and became a naturalized citizen. He graduated from the police academy in September of 2024 and currently serves as an officer at Central Patrol Division.
Proud of his English, Rivera’s Spanish is still frequently in play. Officers will request him when there is a language barrier.
“That makes me feel good,” Rivera said. “And to see the expression on people’s faces when I show up. It’s like, ‘Oh My God, somebody I can relate to.’ Being there makes me feel more comfortable with what I do. I’m helping the community, but I’m also helping my community.”
#HispanicHeritageMonth
KCPD has police officer openings available. Apply here.