KEARNEY, Neb. — Kearney’s new police chief has been a narcotics investigator, road patrol sergeant, special services sergeant and, most recently, lieutenant over the Police Department’s special services unit and criminal investigations bureau.
Kowalek
Kearney City Manager Brenda Jensen announced Monday the promotion of Lt. Gabriel Kowalek to police chief.
“I look forward to working with our dedicated officers and community partners to build on our success and meet the challenges ahead,” Kowalek said.
Jensen made her selection after a competitive national search. Kowalek succeeds Bryan Waugh, who was named the 19th superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.
“After a thorough review, it was clear that Lt. Gabriel Kowalek brings the right combination of experience, leadership and vision to lead the department into the future,” Jensen said. “His deep understanding of our community, commitment to public safety, and desire to maintain strong ties to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office through co-location and decades of service make him an exceptional choice for this important role.”
People are also reading…
Kowalek has served the Kearney Police Department for 23 years, beginning his career as a patrol officer.
A strong proponent of professional development and leadership training, Kowalek is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and is pursuing a master’s degree in Public Safety from the University of Virginia.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as the next chief of police,” Kowalek said. “Kearney is a special place, and I am committed to continuing the department’s strong tradition of service, safety and community engagement.”
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2025
Members of the Heaven's Cry Dance Academy ride a float during the native days homecoming parade on N. 30th Street in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Preston Love Jr. speaks after the ribbon cutting for the North Omaha Visitors Center at 2205 N. 24th Street in Omaha on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.
Fans cheer as Magdalena Bay takes the stage during Maha Festival at Heartland of America Park in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing holds a piece of the ribbon he cut for himself at the ribbon cutting for the North Omaha Visitors Center at 2205 N. 24th Street in Omaha on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.
The begining of the native days homecoming parade on started on 30th and Lake Streets in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Creighton's Saige Damrow (13)poses for a portrait during volleyball media day in Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
The the native days homecoming parade heads north on 30th Street in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Mica Tenenbaum from Magdalena Bay performs during Maha Festival at Heartland of America Park in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
From left, Andy Gruis and Mallory Inman sit in the grass between acts at Maha Festival at Heartland of America Park in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Thousands gather during Maha Festival at Heartland of America Park in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Thousands gather during Maha Festival at Heartland of America Park in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks with defensive coordinator John Butler during a football practice at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Rayne Stokes, 11, hands a Nebraska sign to Marques Buford Jr. (3) to autograph during football fan day at the Hawks Championship Center in Lincoln on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Lily Goossen stirs pineapple for an ice cream flavor at Coneflower Creamery at Millwork Commons in Omaha on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.
Desmond Barnes looks at the encampment he's been living at by Dodge Street and Saddle Creek Road in Omaha on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. The campers, who are experiencing homelessness, have been issued orders by the city to vacate the area by August 14.
Creighton's Ashlyn Paymal (22) serves the ball during a volleyball practice at the Ruth Scott Training Center in Omaha on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. "GRIT" is spelled out on a whiteboard by the players.
Beto O'Rourke, former Texas congressman, speaks during a town hall at University of Nebraska at Omaha's Scott Conference Center in Omaha on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.
Creighton's Ashlyn Paymal (22) poses for a portrait during volleyball media day in Omaha on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
A hole is seen in the roof of the Dollar General distribution warehouse located at 1200 S 10th Streeet in Blair, Neb. on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. An early morning storm caused widespread wind damage in the area.
A rainbow is seen as lightning strikes during an early morning storm brought high winds to the area early in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
The sunrises as a storm moves through early in Omaha on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
Elkhorn North's Austin McMurtry throws the ball during high school football practice at Elkhorn North in Omaha, Neb. on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.
Yaya Dao throws branches into a pile of tree debris at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Omaha, Neb. on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. An early morning storm Saturday caused widespread wind damage in the area.
