Hiawatha appoints interim police chief after 30-year veteran's retirement

Captain Brian Guilliams takes over as interim chief until permanent replacement is found

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge reflecting a bright flash of light, conceptually representing the transition in law enforcement leadership in Hiawatha.The appointment of an interim police chief in Hiawatha aims to maintain stability and leadership during a transition period.Hiawatha Today

The Hiawatha City Commission has unanimously appointed Police Captain Brian Guilliams as the interim Chief of Police, following the retirement of Chief Mickey Gruber after more than 30 years in law enforcement. Guilliams will serve in the interim role until a permanent police chief is selected.

Why it matters

The appointment of an interim police chief is an important transition for the city of Hiawatha, as it seeks to maintain stability and continuity in its law enforcement leadership following the retirement of a long-serving chief. The selection of Guilliams, an experienced captain, is intended to provide steady guidance during this interim period.

The details

Police Captain Brian Guilliams has been appointed as the interim Chief of Police in Hiawatha, Kansas, following the retirement of Chief Mickey Gruber. The Hiawatha City Commission voted unanimously to appoint Guilliams to the position. Gruber retired after more than 30 years in law enforcement, having served as Hiawatha's Chief of Police since May 2022.

  • Chief Mickey Gruber retired in April 2026 after more than 30 years in law enforcement.
  • Guilliams was appointed interim chief by the Hiawatha City Commission on April 2, 2026.

The players

Brian Guilliams

A police captain in Hiawatha who has been appointed as the interim Chief of Police following the retirement of the previous chief.

Mickey Gruber

The former Chief of Police in Hiawatha, who retired in April 2026 after more than 30 years in law enforcement.

Hiawatha City Commission

The governing body of the city of Hiawatha, Kansas, which unanimously voted to appoint Brian Guilliams as the interim police chief.

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What’s next

The Hiawatha City Commission will now begin the process of selecting a permanent police chief to replace the retiring Mickey Gruber.

The takeaway

The appointment of an experienced interim police chief in Guilliams will help provide stability and continuity for the Hiawatha Police Department during the transition to a new permanent chief of police.