Town of Breckenridge Welcomes New Chief of Police, Dawn Layman
“I am honored to join the Town of Breckenridge and lead the dedicated men and women of the Breckenridge Police Department. This community has a remarkable reputation for collaboration, compassion, and commitment to service—values that are in alignment with my own. I look forward to working alongside our police department team members, town leadership, and community stakeholders to continue building a safe, connected, and thriving community.”
— Dawn Layman
The Town of Breckenridge is proud to announce the hiring of Dawn Layman as its new Chief of Police. Layman brings over 32 years of law enforcement experience and a proven record of progressive, community-focused leadership.
Layman joins the Town following a distinguished career with the Lenexa, Kansas Police Department, where she began as a patrol officer in 1993 and rose through the ranks to serve as Chief of Police beginning in 2020. Under her leadership, the department implemented several innovative, technology-driven initiatives. A recognized national leader in law enforcement, Layman has served on numerous boards and committees, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), where she also served as President. She was named Motorola Woman Law Enforcement Executive of the Year by NAWLEE in 2015.
Layman holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from West Chester University, which honored her with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session 251) and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police (Session 59).
“Dawn Layman brings a wealth of experience, innovative leadership, and a strong community-focused philosophy that aligns perfectly with Breckenridge’s values,” said Shannon Haynes, Town Manager of Breckenridge. “We’re confident that her leadership will continue to enhance the department’s strong reputation for integrity, collaboration, and exceptional service.”
Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Town of Breckenridge Police Department, built on the community’s shared core values of communication, adaptability, integrity, community, stewardship, and innovation. Chief Layman will start her new role in Breckenridge on December 1st.
Contact:
Town of Breckenridge Communications Department
📧 outreach@townofbreckenridge.com
📞 (970) 453-2251
🌐 www.townofbreckenridge.com
