Kearney Police Chief Gabe Kowalek, right, introduces, Officers Derrick Hosick, center and Austin Hibberd, left, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — A badge pinning ceremony for two new sergeants in the Kearney Police Department was held during the meeting of the city council during the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Officer Derrick Hosick and Officer Austin Hibberd were promoted the rank of Police Sergeant after two previous sergeants had been promoted to the rank of lieutenant.
“Sergeant Hosick has been a Police Officer since 2014 and served with the Beatrice Police Department prior to being hired by KPD in 2023. Hosick has experience as a Police Service Dog Handler, Special Weapons and Tactics Operator (SWAT), and Patrol Sergeant while with Beatrice,” per the Kearney Police Department (KPD).
While at KPD, Hosick has served as a Motor Officer, Drone Operator, Field Training Officer, and Police Officer in Charge.
“Hosick had the privilege of being the State Regional Coordinator for Special Olympics-Nebraska and still coordinates KPD’s Law Enforcement Torch Run. Hosick is a graduate of Kearney High School and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln,” per KPD.
“Sergeant Hibberd has been a Patrol Officer with KPD since 2019, and was employed as a Corrections Officer with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office prior to 2019. Hibberd has served as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Police Officer in Charge, and is the Emergency Services Unit Team Leader (ESU),” the KPD stated.
Hibberd also had the honor of being named the Police Officer Association of Nebraska’s (POAN) 2025 Officer of the Year. Hibberd is a graduate of Kearney High School and the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“Both Sergeant Hosick and Sergeant Hibberd have shown a great deal of leadership qualities and potential within our organization. Both Officers are fully committed to building public trust and ensuring community safety. KPD is blessed to have these two hard working and caring individuals represent our organization and I am excited to watch their careers continue to evolve.” Chief Gabe Kowalek said.
Kowalek said during the meeting that sergeants serve an important role in their daily contact with the patrol officers.
He noted they are always particular with who they promote within the department and Hosick and Hibberd have demonstrated the skills need to be a successful sergeant.
