FBI Director Christopher Wray visited the FBI Kansas City Field Office on Wednesday, April 3 to celebrate the official opening of the new facility in a ribbon cutting and building commemoration ceremony.
The new FBI facility is located in Platte County at 11180 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, just west of Interstate 29 near the 112th Street exit.
Wray, joined by federal, state, and local partners, highlighted the role the Kansas City Division has played in the FBI’s rich history and how the division continues to have success in investigations, reaffirming the bureau’s commitment to the people of the Western District of Missouri and the State of Kansas.
The building was commemorated in honor of former FBI Director and Kansas City Chief of Police Clarence M. Kelley.
The space previously occupied by the field division was also known as the Clarence M. Kelley Building. Members of Kelley’s family joined in the celebration and Kelley’s granddaughter participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
“It was a pleasure to be part of today’s ribbon cutting ceremony as the FBI continues to demonstrate its dedication to the community as well as to our key local law enforcement partners,” said Wray.
“The men and women of the FBI are determined to ensure that we prioritize protecting and serving this area and our new facility will allow us an even greater opportunity to do just that. We are looking forward to the growth and innovation that this office presents for our employees and the community at large.”
In addition to the building commemoration, five conference rooms located inside the facility were commemorated in honor of the Kansas City Division’s fallen agents.
Director Wray and FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus met with the family members of these agents, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. The five conference rooms are commemorated in honor of Special Agents Raymond Caffrey, Wimberly Baker, Stanley Ronquest Jr., Jerry Jobe, and Melissa Morrow.
“Today’s ribbon cutting and commemoration ceremony signifies the FBI’s commitment to honoring its past, recognizing the present, and moving forward into the future. It will assist in the FBI’s ability to meet its increasing demands on our mission and service. The facility will enable FBI employees to be more efficient, housing the majority of our workforce under one roof, with ample room to fulfill our duties and provide space for future growth,” said Cyrus.
“Currently, the facility will house more than 140 special agents, approximately 135 support employees and nearly 40 task force officers from 17 different federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. We are excited for the future and look forward to being residents of the Northland community,” Cyrus added.
“The General Services Administration is proud to partner with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in delivering space to meet their mission needs in a project that has also earned two Green Globes for sustainable, environmentally conscious development,” said David Rumsey, GSA public building service acting regional commissioner.
The building complex totals 137,000 square feet and is on approximately 14 acres in the Northland of Kansas City.
Following the ceremony, Wray met with several area law enforcement partners and emphasized the FBI’s commitment to continue to work lockstep with partners and address strategies to reduce crime.
Wray highlighted the FBI’s longstanding relationship with partners, adding these partnerships are key to protecting the American people. Wray reiterated that the FBI continues to stand “shoulder to shoulder with our partners and will continue to leverage our strengths and capabilities to fight crime and protect the communities we serve.”