Two Independence deputy police chiefs retire amid lawsuits. Here's what to know
Key Takeaways
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- Deputy chiefs Jason Petersen and Michelle Sumstad have retired from the department.
- Officials say the permanent chief will evaluate leadership before filling deputy posts.
- A 2025 federal suit and a separate lawsuit earlier this year named Petersen and Sumstad.
As Independence’s two deputy police chiefs retire and city officials search for a permanent police chief, here’s what to know about the latest leadership shakeup from our reporting:
- Interim Police Chief Doug Brinkley informed employees in an email obtained by The Kansas City Star that Deputy Chief Jason Petersen and Deputy Chief Michelle Sumstad have retired from the department.
- Brinkley’s email said the positions won’t be immediately filled and instead, the next permanent police chief will evaluate the department’s leadership structure and determine its future command staff.
- Neither Brinkley’s email nor the city’s statement explained the circumstances surrounding the retirements. Sumstad’s attorney, Dennis Egan, told The Star her departure was “not a voluntary retirement.” Petersen has not responded to requests for comment.
- The departures leave the department without its two highest-ranking commanders beneath the chief as the city continues searching for a permanent replacement following former Chief Adam Dustman’s resignation in August 2025.
- Petersen and Sumstad both joined the Independence Police Department in 1995 and were promoted to deputy chief under Dustman. Sumstad became the department’s first female deputy chief when she was promoted in 2023. Petersen previously served as president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1 and later became acting chief following Dustman’s resignation until Brinkley was hired as interim chief in September 2025.
- A federal lawsuit filed in 2025 alleged Petersen and Sumstad were handpicked for promotion and that the selection process violated the city charter and personnel policies. The lawsuit was later settled, according to court records, though the settlement amount was not disclosed.
- Petersen and Sumstad were previously named in a lawsuit filed earlier this year by Independence Police Capt. Billy Pope, who oversees the department’s Internal Affairs unit. Among the allegations, Pope claimed Petersen and Sumstad consumed alcohol while on duty before driving city-issued vehicles.
Ben Wheeler
The Kansas City Star