More than a Uniform

SAVE THE DATE! July 15, 2025

Join American Public Square for a community conversation at Discourse Brewing about first responders in our community.

The role of police, firefighters, and EMS is increasingly politicized. But perspectives from the people on the ground—the first responders themselves—often go unheard. In this community-building program, we will hear more about the day-to-day responsibilities and resources offered to first responders. We’ll also discuss the politicization of the police force, phrases like “Blue Lives Matter,” and how communities can strengthen relationships with first responders in our area. 

Discourse Brewery opened in September 2023 and was featured in an August 2023 article by Jenna Thompson for The Kansas City Star. “Former history teacher Matt Britton is making a seemingly dramatic career shift by opening a brewery in Overland Park. But he believes the two occupations have many parallels. Since before the Revolutionary War, America’s pubs have functioned as public meeting spaces, Britton explained, hosting stimulating discussions about life, spirituality and democracy. In fact, historians believe it was in public houses — or pubs — like Boston’s Green Dragon Tavern that Samuel Adams and other members of the Sons of Liberty plotted to undermine the British government. Britton wanted to create an equally communal space to revive meaningful (though not necessarily political) discussions. Enter Discourse Brewing…“It’s just that dialogue,” Britton said. “I’m really trying to emulate a local place where you can meet your neighbors.”

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Robert Kuehl, Chief of Police in Raytown, Missouri

Robert Kuehl currently serves as Chief of Police in Raytown, Missouri, a position he assumed in April 2020. With over 35 years of law enforcement experience, Kuehl retired as Deputy Chief of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, where he held executive command over major bureaus including the Patrol Bureau—overseeing six patrol divisions and all Special Operations—and the Professional Development and Research Bureau, which encompassed all training, policy development, and special projects. His extensive career also includes leadership roles in SWAT, Investigations, Information Technology, Logistical Support, and the 911 Call Center. In addition to his fieldwork, Kuehl has served as an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology at Graceland University, where he also earned an M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership. He holds a BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Monmouth University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Session #212). As owner of Heartland Risk Management, he has provided training and consultation in risk management to public, private, military, and law enforcement clients since 1991. Kuehl is also a certified P.O.S.T. Instructor and a Risk Management Trainer for the U.S. Army.

Alan Long, Chief of the Overland Park Fire Department

Alan Long is Chief of the Overland Park Fire Department, appointed by City Manager Lori Curtis Luther following a competitive search. Long brings over two decades of service and leadership to the role, having joined the department in 1999. He has held various positions including training instructor, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, and deputy chief before serving as interim fire chief. Long’s educational background includes a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management and Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education, and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Administration. He is also a graduate of Johnson County Community College’s Emergency Medical Science program and the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program. Long holds multiple professional designations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, including Chief Fire Officer, Chief Emergency Medical Officer, and Chief Training Officer. An active member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Long contributes to several fire and emergency services committees across Johnson County and the Kansas City area. He succeeds former Fire Chief Bryan Dehner, who retired in March after 29 years of service.

Daniel Heizman, Captain, Kansas City Fire Department

Daniel Heizman is a 22-year veteran of the Kansas City Fire Department and currently serves as a Captain. As President of IAFF Local 42, Dan represents over 1400 fire fighters, paramedics, dispatchers and public safety personnel across the Kansas City region.  With a deep commitment to labor advocacy, Dan champions fair wages, improved working conditions and enhanced benefits for union members, while maintaining a collaborative and constructive relationship with municipal leaders.  His approach balances pro-labor principles with fiscal responsibility, always prioritizing public support and service as foundational to his Union’s mission.  He brings field experience to his advocacy, speaking openly about the realities fire fighters face — from on-the-job trauma and rising violence against first responders to the lasting toll on mental health. He is a leading voice for improving behavioral health resources, peer support networks, and public understanding of the sacrifices made by those who serve.

Maleah Grigsby (Moderator)

Maleah Grigsby brings a uniquely personal and professional lens to “More than a Uniform.” A former emergency dispatcher, Maleah understands firsthand the high-pressure realities and essential service of first responders. Her perspective is deeply shaped by her father, Mike Grigsby, a military and law enforcement veteran who served as a Police Officer, Detective, and Director of Information Services (CIO) for the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. Maleah’s work on both sides of the radio—paired with a legacy of public safety service—equips her to guide this timely and necessary conversation with empathy, insight, and lived experience. As a leader at American Public Square, Maleah is committed to fostering respectful dialogue and bridging divides in civic life, making her an ideal moderator for this program.