After more than three decades with the Bartlesville Police Department, Chief Kevin Ickleberry will officially retire from the City on July 1. Ickleberry has been employed with the City of Bartlesville since he joined the police department in 1995 and has served in leadership roles since 2006. His service, accolades and affiliations include:
- FBI LEEDA leadership institutes in 2019 and 2020
- University of Louisville, Southern Police Institute-Louisville, Ky., in 2021
- Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police training in 2017
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police
- Texas Association of Hostage Negotiators
- National Tactical Officers Association
- Boys and Girls Club of Bartlesville
- Westside Community Center
- Neighborhood Watch
- Bartlesville Public Schools Safety Committee.
- Fraternal Order of Police Officer of the Year in 2004
- Bartlesville Area Crime Stoppers Award in 2003
Tell us about your early life. Where did you grow up and attend school?
I was born and raised in Bartlesville. I attended Jefferson Elementary, Central Junior High School and College High School. I later attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University and the University of Louisville (Ky.) Southern Police Institute.
What kinds of jobs did you do after graduation?
I became the restaurant manager for Mr. Limey’s Fish and Chips in Comanche Center, where I worked for 30 years. I became a reserve police officer for Bartlesville Police Department in 1989 and then a deputy sheriff in 1995, prior to becoming a police officer with the BPD.
You are (almost) as well known for your work with Mr. Limey’s restaurant, formerly located in Comanche Center. What was working there like for you?
Joyce and Virgil Thurman, the owners of Mr. Limey’s, and their family became my family. Working in the restaurant business taught me to manage employees and the importance of customer service and how to better interact with people, as well as dealing with budgets and payroll.
What made you decide to become a reserve officer with the Police Department (1989-1995)?
I had been volunteering with Neighborhood Watch when Bartlesville Police Lt. Pat Ballard, who had been my neighbor when I was 7, encouraged me to apply for the Reserves.
You became a deputy sheriff with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 1995. What was that experience like?
It was a tremendous experience, I was hired by my mentor and worked for Sheriff Pat Ballard and Undersheriff Jack Johnson, both great leaders who cared deeply for their staff. I learned the importance of communicating well with the citizens and enforcing the law.
What prompted you to go to work for the Bartlesville Police Department later that year?
I had wanted to work for BPD when I hired on at the WCSO; however, there were no openings at that time. Later that year I received a call from then-Chief of Police Steve Brown offering me a job as a police officer. I spoke with Sheriff Ballard about the opportunity, and he encouraged me to better my career and take the job.
He told me I had two choices: I could quit and go to work for BPD, or he could fire me and I could go to work for BPD. The BPD had better pay, more manpower, and more opportunity for advancement. Since Pat had worked and retired from the BPD, he knew what the advantages were for working there. We had a lasting friendship. The last time I saw Pat was when he came to my Chief of Police swearing-in at Tri County Tech.
What positions have you held with the department?
I served for over five years as a reserve police officer (1989-1994), police officer (1995-1999), criminal investigator, sergeant of Investigations, lieutenant of Investigations, commander of the Special Operations Team (SWAT), crisis negotiator-Special Operations Team, captain of the Special Operations Division, captain of the Services Division-Hiring and 911 Communications Center, deputy chief of police, and chief of police.
Which position was your favorite and why?
I have enjoyed each position and have gained knowledge from each position. As an investigator, I have worked multiple major crime cases and cleared a cold case homicide, which was very rewarding. I worked a 20-year-old cold case; it was rewarding to bring closure to the victim’s family.
Being the chief of police has been the most rewarding position — to hopefully have made a lasting difference for the department, in expanding officer wellness and helping our officers better serve our community, as well as being able to hire officers and give them the opportunities I have been blessed with in my career.
How did you end up in leadership with the department?
Having a strong supportive wife, Kerry Ickleberry, and family at home is the number one reason. It has been a family effort! A lot of interrupted holidays, vacations, school event/activities, and weekends. Also not being afraid to lead by example. I know I wasn’t always perfect. Thank God for grace!
I was also blessed to be beside Kerry as the School Resource Officer Program was developed. It would not be the program it is today without her knowledge and the partnerships she has developed and fostered between the City of Bartlesville and the Bartlesville Public Schools, as well as the relationships she has with the many community partners that make it all work.
I have also worked for five different police chiefs during my career: Tom Holland, Steve Brown, Leo Willey and Tracy Roles. Each of them were instrumental in my growth, some more than others. They put me in positions that gave me opportunity for growth.
What role has faith played in your life and career?
I was blessed to have Christian parents who taught me the importance of faith in my life. They also taught me the importance of serving God and others before self.
In your opinion, what is the most challenging thing about a career in law enforcement?
I would say always being respectful to others even when they disrespect the law and disrespect you, the uniform and the badge. Law enforcement is always in the spotlight and under a microscope.
What will you miss the most about working for the City of Bartlesville?
I will first and foremost miss working alongside of my wife! She has set the bar high in all she does.
I will miss the people I have had the pleasure of working with and for. The BPD are my brothers and sisters in blue. City staff is top-notch, from the directors down. I have worked with and for many City managers, with Mr. Mike Bailey and Ms. Laura Sanders being two of the best I have ever worked for. They have a great understanding of the employees who work for them and what the citizens’ needs are. They work every day to make Bartlesville the great city it is. I know they are dedicated to the citizens and employees.
What other plans do you have after retiring, if any?
My plans are to continue to live and play in Bartlesville and spend as much time with my family and grandchildren as possible.
Tell us more about your family.
My wife Kerry is the Director of Health and Safety for the Bartlesville Public School District, where she will continue to serve. We have three adult daughters, Leasha Ryan a local hair designer/stylist and actress, Madison (and husband Jason) and Isabella. Both Madison and Isabella are labor and delivery nurses. And we have a grandson, Jason Lee Shamble III (Tripp).
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life, knowing the BPD is in good hands with Deputy Chiefs Andrew Ward and Troy Newell. I have faith in our city manager, that he and our assistant city manager will hire the next great chief to continue what we have started.
I have been blessed to have a great and trusted support staff in my recent absence. I am thankful and grateful for all the City of Bartlesville has done for me and my family over the past 30 years. I am grateful to the many friends and coworkers who have helped my career along with their kindness, sharing their knowledge, guidance and wisdom. I have had many mentors over the past 30 years, and I appreciate them all.