Administrative Division

Chief of Police

Kirt Nichols

Chief Nichols is a proud graduate of Junction City High School, Class of 1981. Following graduation, he served honorably in the United States Army for nine years, with assignments at Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Davis, Panama; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. In 1990, Chief Nichols began his distinguished career with the Junction City Police Department.

He started as a patrol officer, later advancing to the roles of Field Training Officer and Master Officer. In January 1998, he was promoted to Patrol Sergeant, and in September 2002, he rose to the rank of Patrol Lieutenant. In that role, he was assigned as the Administration and Training Lieutenant, where he oversaw the hiring process for new police officers, dispatchers, records clerks, and animal control officers.

Chief Nichols served as Vice President for one year and President for five years of the Junction City Police Officers Association/FOP Lodge #43. He is a certified MILO/Use of Force Simulator Instructor and has completed numerous police leadership and management courses. He maintains active memberships in the Kansas Peace Officers Association, the Kansas Chiefs of Police Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

From September 2019 to January 2020, he served as Interim Chief of Police. On January 6, 2020, he was promoted to Captain of Operations. In May 2024, he was appointed Chief of Police.

Chief Nichols was recognized as the VFW 4th District Second Place Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2018. In 2024, he received a letter of commendation from Congressman Jake LaTurner as well as a letter from Congressman Roger Marshall recognizing his dedication to leadership, law enforcement, and service to the Junction City community. That same year, he received a congratulatory letter from FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, through the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas City Division, acknowledging his appointment as Chief of Police.

In January 2025, Chief Nichols was named Co-Person of the Year for Geary County, Kansas, alongside Sheriff-elect Nate Beckman.

Chief Nichols resides in Junction City with his wife of 43 years. He is a proud father of two adult children and a grandfather to four grandchildren.

Assistant Chief of Police

Cory Odell

Cory Odell, a native of rural Kansas, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas. He began his law enforcement career in January 2009 as a Patrol Officer with the Junction City Police Department (JCPD). In 2011, Cory furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Cincinnati.

In October 2011, Cory was promoted to Detective, specializing in crimes against children and sex offenses. During his tenure as a Detective, he was involved in several high-profile homicide cases that led to successful prosecutions. Cory was promoted to Detective Sergeant in May 2014, where he supervised the Crime Scene Unit. In 2015, he was honored with the Officer of the Year Award by both the local and regional chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In July 2016, Cory was promoted to Lieutenant, where he served as both a Patrol Watch Commander and the Lieutenant overseeing the Investigations Division. In this role, he managed the General Crimes, Crime Scene and Property Room, and Drug Task Force Detectives. Cory has been an active member of the department, serving on the JCPD Honor Guard since its inception, as a Master Officer, and as a Field Training Officer.

Cory assumed the role of SWAT Tactical Commander in March 2021, having been a member of the SWAT team since 2010. He has served in various positions, including Team Leader, Assistant Team Leader, and Operator. Prior to his promotion to Lieutenant, Cory was the President of the Junction City Police Officers' Association from 2012 to 2016.

In January 2021, Cory was promoted to Captain, leading the Investigations Division. He played a key role in establishing the department’s first Peer Support Team in 2023 and currently serves as its Commander. Additionally, Cory was instrumental in developing and securing funding for a co-responder program, which partners JCPD with a qualified mental health professional from a local service provider.

In May 2024, Cory was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police. In this role, he continues to advocate for officer wellness and is an active proponent of CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) Accreditation, a process that Junction City is currently undergoing in preparation for a mock assessment and the hope of obtaining accreditation in 2025. Cory was appointed to the International Association of Chiefs of Police Civil Law Enforcement/Military Cooperation Committee in March of 2025.

Cory is also involved in several professional and community advisory boards including the Flinthills Regional Leadership Training Program Executive Board, Pawnee Mental Health Advisory Board, Community Corrections Advisory Board, and the KS Internal Affairs Investigators Association Executive Board. Cory is also active in the International Chiefs of Police Association and the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police.

He resides in Junction City with his wife, Geneva, and their two children, Asher and Eowyn.

Secretary to the Chief of Police

Cindy Sinklier is an Administrative Secretary who provides direct organizational support to the chief of police. She assists with budget planning, accounts payable, and payroll time entry.