Topeka Police Assistant Chief Jana Kizzar Retired
Assistant Chief Jana Kizzar has retired after a 26-year career with the Topeka Police Department.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Assistant Chief Jana Kizzar has officially retired from the Topeka Police Department, ending a career that began in January 2000. Her departure follows a tenure that saw her rise through the ranks to become a major in April 2023.
Why it matters
Kizzar was a central figure in a high-profile federal gender discrimination lawsuit against the city. She successfully challenged the department alongside colleagues before her eventual retirement this September.
The city paid a $1.025 million settlement in May 2026 to resolve a gender discrimination lawsuit. Kizzar received $211,059, while Colleen Stuart and Jennifer Cross were each awarded $200,000.
The players
Jana Kizzar
She served as an assistant chief for the Topeka Police Department after a 26-year career.
Colleen Stuart
She was a co-plaintiff alongside Kizzar in the successful federal gender discrimination lawsuit.
Jennifer Cross
She was appointed to the position of assistant chief for the department in May 2026.
Patti Kaeberle
She holds the historical distinction of being the first female major to serve in the department.
The details
Kizzar joined the department as a patrol officer and eventually became a major in April 2023. She served during a period that saw Patti Kaeberle become the first female major in the agency, and Jennifer Cross was named assistant chief in May 2026.
Timeline
Jana Kizzar joined the Topeka Police Department in January 2000.
Kizzar, Stuart, and Cross filed their lawsuit against the city in January 2023.
The city promoted Kizzar to major in April 2023.
A jury ruled in favor of Kizzar and Stuart in September 2024.
Jana Kizzar retired from the department in September 2026.
Legal Context
The retirement of a high-ranking officer in the wake of a successful discrimination claim highlights ongoing shifts in municipal employment liability and internal department culture. This case follows the precedent set by the 2024 federal gender discrimination lawsuit settlement.
The transition in the assistant chief role may signal upcoming adjustments to department-wide administrative procedures. Residents can monitor upcoming city council meetings for further details on command staff appointments and department policy shifts.
The takeaway
Kizzar's departure marks a significant leadership transition for the Topeka Police Department after years of legal contention. Her retirement closes a chapter that heavily influenced recent departmental administrative appointments.
Further reading
For more information on department leadership and policy, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Topeka Capital-Journal.
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