Eric Schmitz named new Lenexa chief of police
Published on December 29, 2025
City Manager Beccy Yocham has announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Eric Schmitz to serve as the new chief of police for the City of Lenexa.
Schmitz brings 27 years of service with the Lenexa Police Department to his role as chief of police, where he will lead a team of nearly 150 sworn and civilian personnel and serve as a member of the City of Lenexa’s executive leadership team.
Schmitz is the fifth individual to serve as Lenexa’s police chief, succeeding Chief Dawn Layman, who retired from Lenexa following a distinguished 32-year career in law enforcement.
“Eric Schmitz is a highly respected law enforcement professional whose experience and values align closely with our city’s commitment to public safety and community trust.” City Manager Beccy Yocham said. “I am proud to have him step into this important leadership role and confident he is the right person to lead our police department into its next chapter.”
Lenexa Mayor Julie Sayers added, “We are proud to welcome Eric Schmitz as Lenexa's chief of police, as he has shown deep commitment to the professional development of our department members, building relationships and trust with our community and peer organizations and serving our community with honor, integrity and professionalism.”
Schmitz began his career as a deputy sheriff with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office in 1997. He joined the Lenexa Police Department as a patrol officer in 1998. His career includes assignments as a police canine handler and master police officer, followed by promotions through the ranks of corporal, sergeant in patrol and investigations, captain and major. He was appointed deputy chief of police in December 2023.
Schmitz is a graduate of the 292nd Class of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. His education also includes applied science in law enforcement from Range Technical College and criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Kansas Police Officers Association, the Metro Chiefs and Sheriffs Association and the FBI National Academy Associates.
Throughout his service with the Lenexa Police Department, Schmitz has provided executive leadership across a wide range of functions, including operations, investigations and administration. He has overseen major initiatives related to staffing, technology enhancements and organizational development, and brings extensive experience managing complex budgets, personnel and community policing efforts.
"I am honored to lead our agency and to build upon the strong foundation already in place. Every day, our dedicated men and women demonstrate professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to our community, and I am proud to lead them as we continue to move forward and deliver service beyond expectations,” said Schmitz.