Raytown Police Major Randy Hudspeth was appointed as the Interim Police Chief on February 5, 2019, at the Board of Aldermen meeting. Raytown City Administrator Damon Hodges recommended that Major Hudspeth be appointed to this temporary position “to facilitate consistency, efficient service and a seamless transition for the public and Police Department employees.”

Major Hudspeth will provide general management and supervision over the department, including personnel matters, equipment and budget. The temporary assignment will begin on February 15, 2019 and will end on or near April 17, 2019, when a more long-term successor is determined. The interim appointment was made to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Raytown Police Chief James B. Lynch, after 43 years of service. Chief Lynch’s retirement is effective February 14, 2019.

Major Hudspeth is a 23-year law enforcement veteran, with 20 years of service with the Raytown Police Department. Major Hudspeth is a graduate of the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s School of Police Staff and Command, in which he was awarded the Franklin M. Kreml Leadership award by his peers. Major Hudspeth worked to bring federal grant funded anti-terrorism training to the Kansas City Metro region, in conjunction with Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and United States Homeland Security. Major Hudspeth is a recognized regional trainer with organizations that include the Kansas City Metropolitan Tactical Officers Association.