Colonel Ernest E. Garcia, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, has announced that Captain Richard “John” Walters is retired from the Patrol after serving over 33 years with the agency. Walters’ retirement was effective June 11.
Walters began his career with the Patrol on June 18, 1978 as a recruit trooper at the Training Academy in Salina. His first duty station was in Dodge City. He moved to LaCrosse in 1979, and to Great Bend in 1982. He was promoted to Sergeant within the Patrol’s Troop F, south central region, in November 1990, and served as a zone supervisor. In March of 1995, Walters transferred to Troop G, Kansas Turnpike, taking over as zone supervisor there. He was promoted to Lieutenant in January 1997, and took over as troop commander of Troop F. In 1999, the Lieutenant’s position was reallocated to a Captain’s position, and Walters remained in Troop F. He transferred to Troop G in March 2000, taking over as the troop commander.
In his time with the Patrol, Walters served as a field training officer twice. He was a recruit class coach in 1987. He is a member of the Kansas Peace Officers Association (KPOA) and Kansas Sheriff’s Association (KSA).
Prior to his career with the Patrol, Walters served with the United States Marine Corps from February 1972 until February 1978. During his time in the Marines, Walters worked on F-4 jets. Walters is a graduate of Lyons High School. He received an Associate’s of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Barton County Community College in Great Bend.