Rep. Ken Wilson, a Republican, represents parts of Clay and Platte counties, including the towns of Camden Point, Kearney, Platte City, Ridgely and Smithville (District 12), in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his third two-year term in November 2016.
Ken Wilson worked his way through the ranks of the Platte County Sheriff's Department to become the commander of the Detention Division. Since 2001, he has served as the Chief of Police for the City of Smithville and in 2010 served as Interim City Administrator as well. In 2015, Ken was called to be the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, a church he still has the honor of leading. Ken retired from being Chief of Police in April 2012.
Ken graduated from Missouri Western State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Since 1995, he has been a part-time instructor with the Missouri Western Regional Law Enforcement Academy. Ken is also a graduate of the United States Department of Justice Executive Excellence Program, the FBI Central States Law Enforcement Executive Development Program, and the FBI National Academy. When Ken completed his basic police training from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy, then Governor John Ashcroft signed his certificate. Upon completion of the FBI Academy in 2002, Ken was honored to have United States Attorney General John Ashcroft sign his diploma. Ken also is a graduate of the Foundations Program from Central Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned his Certificate on Ministry Studies.
Ken is a recipient of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Certificate of Appreciation and has been recognized by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve as a Patriotic Employer. He serves on the board of the Missouri Western State University Regional Law Enforcement Academy. He has served as a member of the Board of Alderman for the City of Edgerton and as the chief of police for the City of Edgerton. He is a member of Missouri Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association, Missouri Peace Officers Association, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Association and the International Association of Ethics Trainers.
Rep. Wilson lives in Smithville with his wife of 42 years, Melissa. They have two children, Rebecca and Justin, two granddaughters and a grandson.