City of Topeka Government

There are so many opportunities to grow your career at the City of Topeka. We’re hiring Court Clerks, Engineers, Firefighters, Police Officers, Public Works and Utility Workers, and more. Find your opportunity. Apply today at https://lnkd.in/ei2ExYsg. #hiring #career #jobs

This morning, City of Topeka Government Public Works Street Department staff assisted the city’s Property Maintenance Unit (PMU) in removing and properly disposing of trash and rubbish from multiple properties owned by a local landlord. Despite previous engagement and citations issued by the PMU, the property owner failed to clean up the sites within the allotted timeframe.

Our Communications Department is taking you behind the scenes of Behind the Seal! Thank you to City Street Maintenance Worker Adam Miller for taking part in our Behind the Seal video series this week. Adam and his manager, Todd, were interviewed for an upcoming video highlighting the incredible effort our Street team puts into maintaining the roads we all rely on every day, and staying prepared to prep the roads for winter weather. Todd, Adam and the team will be featured in our January Behind the Seal video. Check out other Behind the Seal videos featuring some of the people who keep Topeka running: https://lnkd.in/gBA23PsX

The City of Topeka announced Wednesday that Chris Vallejo will serve as the city’s next police chief for the Topeka Police Department. After a nationwide search and an extensive interview process that included public input sessions, community panel interviews, and a public meet and greet, Topeka City Manager Dr. Robert Perez has selected Chris Vallejo to lead the Topeka Police Department. “After receiving valuable input from our community and stakeholders, I am confident that Chris Vallejo will lead the Topeka Police Department in a positive direction,” said Dr. Robert Perez. “His proven achievements, including innovative recruitment strategies and impactful community-based initiatives, will elevate the department and strengthen the bond between our officers and the people they serve.” Chris Vallejo has 30 years of experience in law enforcement, having served in various roles during his tenure with the Austin Texas Police Department (APD). Vallejo holds a Master of Criminal Justice from Texas State University. During his time as Commander in Training at the APD, Vallejo helped to develop inclusive and diverse training programs and implemented recruitment strategies that resulted in the most diverse cadet class in APD history. He also pioneered the creation of a Chief Data Officer position that aimed to integrate community-based initiatives to foster to trust and collaboration between the APD, elected officials and the community. Vallejo currently serves as a National Policing Institute Executive Fellow, regularly collaborating with Police Chiefs nationwide and advising on strategies to address evolving challenges in U.S. law enforcement. “I am truly honored and excited to serve as your next chief of police.” said Chris Vallejo. “This is the highest privilege, and I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me. In the initial weeks, I look forward to getting to know the dedicated men and women in the Topeka Police Department and building meaningful connections with this incredible community that my family and I are eager to join. Together, we will work to reduce crime, overcome challenges, and create a safer and stronger future for everyone in Topeka.” Vallejo is expected to start the week of January 20, 2025.

The City of Topeka announced Wednesday that Steve Groen will serve as the city’s next Public Works Director. Groen holds a BA in Business Administration-Financial Management from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN. He has 40 years’ experience in the industry, having started as a seasonal concrete worker in college before working a variety of utility and street construction positions. Groen was promoted to Hennepin County Construction Division Manager in 2021. He currently serves as the Highway Superintendent for Minnehaha County Highway Department in Sioux Falls, SD. “I am thrilled to have Steve join us,” said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. “He will bring a multitude of experience to the City of Topeka and will be a great asset to our team.” Assistant City Manager Braxton Copley, who oversees infrastructure and development departments and is currently serving as interim public works director, said “I am pleased to add Steve to my management team. He has many years of public works experience over a broad range of service areas.” “I look forward to serving as the City of Topeka’s next public works director,” Groen said. “The recruitment of engineering staff will be a priority, as well as continuing work on improvements to the city’s streets, traffic control devices, and facilities.” Groen’s first day will be December 9th

Happy Veterans Day from the City of Topeka! 🇺🇸 #VeteransDay

Have you ever wondered how the City of Topeka cleans the water we use? This month, we’re going Behind the Seal with the Utilities laboratories. Hear technicians at both the Water Treatment Plant and Water Pollution Control labs discuss their testing procedures for our water, and why the city's wastewater is treated before being released back into the Kansas River. #behindthescenes #kansasriver #topekaks #utilities

Earlier this week, our Street, Forestry, and Traffic Operations teams participated in a Safety Check Lane with our Transportation Operations Safety Committee. Before heading out to work on the streets, they made sure all safety devices—like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, warning triangles, and seat belts—were in place and ready to go in their vehicles and equipment. It was a great reminder to always stay mindful of safety on the job. Stay safe out there, Topeka! #SafetyFirst #CityOfTopeka

#CustomerServiceWeek is an international celebration of the importance of customer service and the people who serve and support customers on a daily basis. At the City of Topeka Utilities Department Call Center, staff fields an average of 500 calls each day in order to assist residents with their utility bills and answer questions. We recognize and thank our outstanding service team for their dedication! These are a few of the kind words residents had to say about our team. #CustomerServiceWeek2024

This month, we’re going Behind the Seal with the Topeka Police Department's Animal Control Unit! Hear from our dedicated Animal Control officers about the work they do to educate the public and assist animals in Topeka. To learn more about their vital role and when to contact them, visit our website at https://lnkd.in/guX_3rWF