TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Herman Jones, who has been sued for sexual harassment and retaliation, will retire in July, Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday.
The governor also said Adjutant General David Weishar, who leads the Kansas National Guard and is the state's emergency management director, will retire April 1.
Jones has a 45-year career in law enforcement and was the Shawnee County sheriff before Kelly appointed him patrol superintendent in 2019.
Several women, all current and former patrol employees, sued top agency officials in federal court in 2021, alleging discrimination and a hostile work environment. Two former majors sued in 2020, alleging they were dismissed for helping women lodge complaints against top officials.
Kelly told the Topeka Capitol-Journal in December that two independent investigations found no substance to the allegations made against Jones.
Some Republican lawmakers have suggested putting the patrol under the direction of the Kansas Attorney General's office if Jones was not removed.
Kelly did not name a replacement for Jones.
Weishaar was appointed the Adjutant General on April 1, 2020. Kelly named Brig. Gen. Michael Venerdi to replace Weishaar. He currently has leadership roles with the Kansas Guard and previously was commander of the 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.
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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday announced the retirements of Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones and Adjutant General Major General David Weishaar.
"Colonel Jones and General Weishaar have together helped keep Kansans safe over the past several years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Laura Kelly said in a media release from her office.
“Both have overseen immense operations throughout our entire state during challenging times, and I am grateful for their service and dedication. I wish them the best in their retirements.”
After more than 45 years in law enforcement, KHP Superintendent Colonel Herman Jones will retire from his cabinet position on July 1, 2023.
“It has been a sincere and distinct honor serving the citizens of Kansas as the Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol,” Colonel Herman Jones said. “It has been my endeavor to keep Kansas highways and communities safe. Through the support of Governor Kelly and the collaboration of many dedicated employees of the Kansas Highway Patrol, we have strived to maintain the integrity of this agency.”
Prior to being appointed KHP Superintendent in 2019, Jones was Shawnee County Sheriff. He has served Kansas as a police officer in Emporia, a state trooper for KHP, and an instructor at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center. Under his leadership, the agency increased recruitment efforts, enhanced law enforcement equipment and training, and carried out operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Major General David Weishaar was appointed the Adjutant General of Kansas on April 1, 2020, and has since led the 7,000 soldiers and airmen of the Kansas National Guard. In this role, he also served as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor and Director of Emergency Management for the State of Kansas.
“Serving as the Adjutant General for the State of Kansas has been the highlight of my career,” Major General David Weishaar said. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served the citizens of Kansas and the thousands of soldiers, airmen, and civilians who make up the Adjutant General’s Department. Any success I’ve had over the past 42 years is because of the teams I’ve been privileged to be a part of. They made it fun to come to work, even on the days we had to deal with things that weren’t fun.”
Major General Weishaar will retire on April 1, 2023. Governor Kelly will appoint Brigadier General Michael Venerdi to become Adjutant General. Vernerdi currently serves as the Chief of Staff – Air to the Adjutant General and as Director of the Joint Staff, Kansas National Guard at the Joint Force Headquarters in Topeka. He previously served as Commander of the 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.
The Kelly Administration will announce Col. Jones’ successor in the coming months.