From the city of Great Bend
The Great Bend Police Department (GBPD) has announced the appointment of Ryan DeYoung as lieutenant. DeYoung returns after spending the past eight months as an investigator and office manager for the Barton County Attorney's Office.
With 14 years of prior service at the GBPD, Lt. DeYoung brings extensive experience and leadership to his new role.
“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant with the Great Bend Police Department,” said DeYoung. “Throughout my career, I have been committed to serving our community, supporting my fellow officers and continuously developing as a leader.”
Originally from Southern California, DeYoung moved to Kansas after high school to attend the University of Kansas. One year after graduating, he began his law enforcement career with the GBPD in 2011. Working his way up the ranks, DeYoung was promoted to corporal in 2014 and sergeant in 2018. In 2025, he joined the Barton County Attorney's Office and completed the University of Kansas Certified Public Manager Program last December.
During his career, DeYoung has led and specialized in a variety of roles including field training officer, radar instructor and supervisor of the K-9 Program for two years. He also spent 10 years as treasurer of the Great Bend Fraternal Order of Police. Additionally, he was a member of the City Safety Committee for more than five years and was part of the evaluation committee during a restructuring period.
DeYoung has attended numerous leadership training programs and conferences and remains committed to ongoing professional development.
“I look forward to taking on this new role, helping guide the department’s future and continuing to build strong relationships with both our officers and the citizens we serve,” said DeYoung. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me and eager to contribute to the department’s continued success.”
DeYoung fills the lieutenant position following the retirement of Lt. Scott Harper who concluded a distinguished 37-year law enforcement career on July 3. Harper began his journey with the Goodland Police Department in 1982 before coming to Great Bend in 1989 where was promoted to detective in 1993 and lieutenant in 1996. During his tenure, Harper served as the team leader and as a sniper on the Special Services Team. He also oversaw department training and held several instructor certifications including Taser, impact weapon, chemical munitions and use-of-force.
The GBPD is the primary law enforcement agency for the City of Great Bend with 33 full-time commission police officers and four non-commission personnel. The department provides services 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.