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MILITARY & THE MPD
At the Meridian Police Department, we appreciate those who have served in the United States military. Many of our team members are former servicemen and women of the Armed Forces, and some still continue to serve in the Military Reserves. Read the stories below for the opportunity to meet some of our prior servicemen as they share their experience transitioning from the Military to a career in Law Enforcement.
CORPORAL JON SALISBURY
United States Air Force
I began my law enforcement career in 2009 at the Meridian Police Department, after I separated from the U.S. Air Force. I was excited to begin another career in uniform, and to have the opportunity to remain in Idaho as we raised our daughter. I was commissioned as a patrol officer following my graduation from the POST academy in September, 2009.
After years of moving around as a military-brat, my family settled in Boise where my dad eventually retired from the Idaho Air National Guard. I followed in his footsteps and joined the U.S. Air Force after I graduated from Capital High School.
I served for eleven (11) years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. I had the opportunity to work all over the world during my enlistment, including Okinawa, Singapore, Vietnam, Iceland, and just about everywhere in the U.S. I was deployed to Kyrgyzstan, Iraq, and Qatar during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I found the fast operational pace in Iraq to be exactly the reason why I joined. The transition to civilian life had its obstacles but, I quickly discovered the challenging and equally exciting profession of law enforcement.
I’ve had the opportunity to serve in serval positions at the Meridian Police Department, including, Patrol, the Ada Metro SWAT Team, and the FBI Metro Task Force. Serving as an explosive breacher for the SWAT team allows me to continue my work in the world of explosives. During my time on the FBI Task Force, I focused on informant operations, long-term investigations, and undercover operations support. The ability to work with different agencies from around the valley toward a common goal was incredible. I’m currently assigned as a Patrol Corporal following my recent promotion.
In my free time I enjoy writing, shooting, and taking vacations with my family. Several years ago, I rediscovered creative writing and recently had my first book published. I find writing a very cathartic and creative outlet for me. With such a busy work and family life, having a quiet hobby like writing helps to center me on those crazy days.
CORPORAL KEVIN KINNAMAN
United States Army
In 2008, after being involuntarily extended for an additional year of active duty service, I began separating from the United States Army. While attending the Army’s separation classes, I met with a recruiter from the El Paso Police Department. Having never thought about a career in law enforcement, I liked what I saw and decided to apply. It has been an amazing journey and the best career decision I have ever made. I was surprised to learn I could use my GI Bill benefits during the academy and field training portion of my first year on the job. The ability to use these benefits helped ease the transition for my family from military housing to the civilian world. After three (3) years with the EPPD, I decided it was time to return home to the Pacific Northwest.
While I had enjoyed my time with the El Paso Police Department, it was large and had what you could call a “big army” feel to it. So, when I decided to research departments, I knew I wanted to find a department that replicated the “family atmosphere” of the companies I had been deployed or sent overseas with during my active duty years. I found just what I was looking for with the Meridian Police Department. I already knew Meridian was a great place to live and raise a family, as I had family members living here. So, I decided to turn in my application and was hired in 2011.
During my law enforcement career, I have continued to serve my country through the Army Reserves. The Meridian Police Department has been great at working with my Reserve schedule, and the city makes up the difference on wages lost during your obligated service time. Although I would say that law enforcement isn’t anywhere near the “paramilitary organization” that the civilian population believes it to be, I have found the mindset and principles of leadership that I learned during my active duty time have served me well as a police officer.
SERGEANT JASON BROWN
United States Marine Corps
I began my military experience in 1993. I joined the United States Marine Corps while I was still in high school. I departed for boot camp in June of 1993 to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. After finishing boot camp, I was stationed at with Fox Company Second Battalion in Twenty-Nine (29) Palms, California where I served as an Infantryman, Squad Leader, and Platoon Sergeant. While the training was hard, my fellow Marines were warriors and helped me to thrive in the environment. In 1997, I completed my active duty service and decided to transition to civilian life.
In the beginning, I found civilian life was simultaneously exciting and confusing. I knew that my ambitions were pointing me to Law Enforcement, so I began pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice in the Fall of 1997. While attending college, my life took an unexpected turn when I met my wife of twenty-three (23) years. A short time later, we started our own family and I took a job with the Union Pacific Railroad.
While I enjoyed many aspects of my career with the Union Pacific Railroad, it kept me away from my family as I was required to work in various places throughout the forty-eight (48) states. Throughout my nine (9) years with the company, I felt as if my heart was still pulling me towards a career in Law Enforcement.
In January 2006, I came to a point in my life where I understood that, if I was going to pursue a career in Law Enforcement, I needed to move quickly. After all, I wasn't getting any younger. In October 2006, I joined the Caldwell Police Department, where I attended the police academy and completed field training. While working for the Caldwell Police Department, I heard many great things about the Meridian Police Department, including the excellent administration, quality equipment, and great working environment.
I applied for the Meridian Police Department and accepted a position in August of 2009. During my career here, I have had numerous opportunities to advance, go to quality training, and laterally move within the department. In 2023 , I was promoted to Sergeant and serve in the Patrol Department. I am proud to work with the Meridian Police Department because of the department's commitment to providing quality service, education, and the excellent partnership we enjoy with our community.
SERGEANT KEVIN WILSON
United States Navy
In May 1991, I joined the United States Navy and attended bootcamp in Great Lakes, Illinois. After completing the airman apprenticeship program, I was transferred to my first duty station aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) where I worked in the administrative and personnel offices. About a year later, I was selected to attend the Personnelman "A" school. I graduated at the top of my class and was meritoriously promoted to E-4. Upon returning to the ship, I worked in the personnel office where I worked transfers, separations, and re-enlistments. Upon being promoted to E-5, I was assigned to the Educational Services Office as the lead petty officer. During that assignment, I was in charge of organizing all promotional testing for ships company, as well as the several squadrons attached to the Carl Vinson.
While on my second Western Pacific deployment, I became eligible to transfer to a new duty station. In September 2005, I accepted orders to the Federal Building in Boise, Idaho as a job classifier at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). My duties there included evaluating Navy applicants and assisting them with selecting a job in the Navy. I worked at MEPS for about four and a half (4 1/2) years and separated from the Navy in the summer of 2000.
Following my separation, I received a job offer from the Idaho State Police (ISP). While waiting to complete ISP's lengthy hiring process, I accepted a job in the Canyon County Jail and attended the detention officer academy. In October of 2001, I ended my career with Canyon County to attend the Idaho State Police Advanced Academy. Following graduation, I was assigned to the Boise/Meridian area where I worked as an Idaho State Trooper and Motor Officer. During my time with ISP, I regularly interacted with members of the Meridian Police Department. My positive interaction led to my accepting a job with the Meridian Police Department in 2007. Since joining the Meridian Police Department, I have served as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, Taser Instructor and Field Training Officer.
CONTACT
US
(208) 888-6678
PDRECRUITING@MERIDIANCITY.ORG
VISIT
US
1401 EAST WATERTOWER STREET
MERIDIAN, IDAHO 83642
MONDAY-FRIDAY: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM