USAO-KS honors Wichita police detective as Hometown Hero

WICHITA, KAN. - The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas (USAO-KS) announces a Wichita Police Department (WPD) detective, who dedicates himself to improving public safety by working to eradicate communities of drug trafficking, as a recipient of the Hometown Hero award.

The Hometown Hero award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility. Across the country, the U.S. Department of Justice is recognizing members of law enforcement who exhibit a steadfast commitment to these ideals and embody the spirit upon which our nation was founded.

USAO-KS selected Detective Kevin D. Real as its honoree. U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser presented him with an award on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Real is a 29-year veteran of the Wichita Police Department, and in 2024, was named the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association's Officer of the Year. He is assigned to the Special Investigations Bureau's undercover section where his knowledge and experience allow him to effectively fill various types of roles in investigations. He has served as lead investigator, as an undercover agent infiltrating drug organizations, and as a partner working alongside the Critical Response Team and patrol officers to address neighborhood narcotics issues.

Through his expertise in research and surveillance and keen deductive reasoning skills, Real has successfully facilitated the arrests of suspects directly connected to Mexican cartels involved in trafficking methamphetamine and heroin, and in firearms smuggling. His efforts have significantly disrupted trafficking operations, and to date, Real has seized over 400 pounds of methamphetamine intended for distribution on the streets of Wichita.

"Detective Real goes into drug houses and dangerously comes face-to-face with individuals who have a propensity for violence. This work requires courage, skill, and resilience," said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. "We are grateful for his efforts in holding drug traffickers accountable and ensuring communities are safer for everyone."

Real has experience working with local, state, and federal agencies. He formerly served as an FBI-credentialed Project Safe Streets Task Force Officer where he worked on investigations that were complex, time-intensive, involved multiple interviews and search warrants, and included evidence collection across several jurisdictions.

###