Fredericksburg Leader

Meet Our Citizen Advisory Panel: 

Over the next few months, we will introduce the City of Fredericksburg to the Police Department's Citizens Advisory Panel (CAP) members. The purpose of CAP is to enhance community relations by facilitating communication between the Police Department and the diverse group of citizens we serve. Each Citizens Advisory Panel member brings a unique view based on their life and professional experience, sparking meaningful conversation with the department's senior leadership.

Our first member feature is Mr. Kenneth D. Gantt.

Kenneth D. Gantt is the Deputy Director of the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). OBIM is the lead entity in DHS for biometric identity management services across the government. Mr. Gantt's responsibilities include working with OBIM's customers, stakeholders, and DHS mission partners (foreign and domestic) to expand the program's services to ensure a safe, secure, and resilient homeland.

Before joining US-VISIT, Mr. Gantt was the Deputy Director of Operations for the U.S. Army Biometrics Identity Management Agency (BIMA) and the Site Manager for Clarksburg, WV, and surrounding area facilities. He managed the Department of Defense Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to support U.S. military operations.

A retired lieutenant colonel, Mr. Gantt commanded a field artillery battalion with the Third Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has held command and staff positions at varying levels during his career. During his military career, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with "Valor" Device, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Mr. Gantt received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from John Carroll University and a master's degree in Near Eastern studies from Princeton University.

Mr. Gantt made Fredericksburg his home after retiring from the military, and it truly feels like home to him because of the genuine relationships with the friends and neighbors he has come to meet through the years. He likes to cook, read, listen to jazz, hike, and hang out in the 'Burg with its historic charm and small town, neighborly feeling. His passion is volunteering to better the City by serving on the Police Department's Citizen's Advisory Panel, the Planning Commission, and as an Elections volunteer. He also volunteers in the region with a youth football and cheer program.

To learn more about the Citizens Advisory Panel, click here: http://bit.ly/2XoFCNt

Original source can be found here