SCRANTON, Kan. – Jon Reed is returning to law enforcement after retiring several years ago. During the May 19, 2026, meeting of the Scranton City Council, the council publicly interviewed and voted to appoint Reed as interim chief of police.
“I want Scranton to be a place where families feel safe, local businesses feel supported, and people want to live because of the quieter small-town atmosphere, while still being close to larger cities,” Reed said.
Reed joins longtime Scranton Police Officer Ken Silver in serving the community.
In addition to currently operating Home Town Health Care, a home health agency, Reed brings more than 30 years of law enforcement and investigative experience to the position. He retired from law enforcement in 2020 after serving in multiple agencies and leadership roles throughout Kansas.
Although retired from active service, Reed has remained connected to the law enforcement community through regular contact with former colleagues and agencies, and participation in special events and ceremonies.
“It was those professional relationships that ultimately led to conversations about returning to assist Scranton once again,” Reed said.
Reed previously served as Scranton’s chief of police 18 years ago, from 2008 to 2010. He said he has always loved the small community, and hopes to promote Scranton as a great place to live.
He said he plans to hit the ground running. He has been in contact with Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells, and both agencies share the common goal of supporting one another and keeping the community safe.
“I also look forward to meeting or reestablishing relationships with the citizens and business owners of the Scranton community,” Reed said.
He offered a simple reminder for residents and visitors, “Please slow down when driving through or visiting our little town. The kids are out of school, and we want everyone to be safe.”
