Tyrone Garner (politician) facts for kids

Tyrone A. Garner (born 1969) is an American politician. He used to be a police officer. Since 2021, he has been the 30th mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. Before becoming mayor, he was a deputy chief for the Kansas City Police Department.

About Tyrone Garner

Early Life and Police Career

Tyrone Garner was born in Portland, Maine. He grew up in San Jose, California. When he started high school, his family moved to Kansas City, Kansas (KCK). He finished Wyandotte High School in 1987. After high school, he joined the United States Army.

After serving in the Army, Garner became a police officer in KCK. He worked there for over 30 years. He rose through the ranks to become a captain, then a major, and finally a deputy chief. He was the first African American KCK police officer to graduate from the special FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He was also the first African American male commander to lead the western part of Kansas City, Kansas.

Garner retired from the police force in 2019. For a short time, he served on the board of trustees for Kansas City Kansas Community College. He also helped the state as a commissioner for African American Affairs. He made history by appointing the first African-American female chief of staff and county administrator in Wyandotte County.

Becoming Mayor

On November 2, 2021, Tyrone Garner won an election to become mayor. He defeated the previous mayor, David Alvey. This made him the first African-American mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. He officially started his job on December 13, 2021.

What a Mayor Does

A mayor is like the main leader of a city. They work to make the city a better place for everyone. This includes making decisions about schools, parks, safety, and how the city grows. The mayor also works with other leaders to solve problems and plan for the future.

Important Work as Mayor

In January 2022, Mayor Garner hired Cheryl Harrison-Lee. She was the first Black female interim county administrator for Wyandotte County. Later, in May 2022, there were discussions about finding a permanent county administrator.

In January 2024, Mayor Garner announced he would take a temporary break from his duties. This was for a private medical procedure. Tom Burroughs, a commissioner, stepped in to serve as the temporary mayor.

Awards and Recognition

Tyrone Garner has received several awards for his service and leadership:

• 2016 KCKPS Reasons to Believe Award Recipient
• 2018 Black Achievers Award from the SCLC of Greater Kansas City
• KC Globe Most Influential Kansas Citians of 2015 Award
• Eugene K. Patterson Community Service Award from The Tuskegee Airmen
• Rosalyn Brown and Betty Taliaferro Service Award from Friends of Yates, Inc.

See also

• List of first African-American mayors