After more than three decades of service, Assistant Police Chief Kenneth Funtek has announced his retirement from the Amarillo Police Department, effective August 11, 2025. The announcement comes as Funtek is named in an ongoing investigation into a June traffic incident involving his personal vehicle.
“I am thankful for being able to serve my community and country for many decades,” said Funtek, who has spent 33 years with the Amarillo Police Department.
Funtek began his career with APD in October 1992 as part of the department’s 62nd police academy class. Before joining the force, he served in the United States Marine Corps. During his career in law enforcement, Funtek held a variety of assignments including Patrol Officer, School Liaison Officer at Palo Duro High School, and K-9 handler. He later commanded the department’s Training and Personnel Division as a Captain, overseeing recruitment and training of new officers.
Promoted to Assistant Chief in 2015, Funtek further distinguished himself by earning a master’s degree in 1999, completing the FBI National Academy in 2013, and attaining a Master Peace Officer License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Crash Under Investigation
Funtek’s retirement announcement follows public scrutiny surrounding a crash on June 19, 2025, in the 1600 block of South Kentucky Street. Amarillo police responded to reports of a minor collision involving a personal vehicle driven by an off-duty officer. Upon arrival, officers learned that those involved had exchanged insurance information, and no citations were issued at the scene. The crash occurred on private property, a detail APD cited in its explanation for not issuing citations.
What initially appeared to be a routine minor accident later drew attention after a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the High Plains Pundit revealed that the off-duty officer involved was Assistant Chief Funtek. According to the incident report, witnesses at the scene suspected that the driver may have been intoxicated. One witness alleged that the vehicle had cut off another driver while traveling in the center lane just before the collision.
The report also indicates that officers originally considered pursuing the crash as a possible DWI. However, Funtek had left the scene by the time police arrived, and responding officers stated they were unable to determine whether intoxication was a factor. Consequently, no DWI charge was initially filed.
A supplement to the incident report, dated July 29, confirms that APD officials were later directed by their chain of command to file the DWI portion of the case. That information is now being reviewed by the Potter County Attorney’s Office to determine whether any charges will be filed.
Department Response
The Amarillo Police Department issued a public statement on July 29 to address what it referred to as “inaccurate reports” about the incident.
“We are aware of inaccurate reports labeling the incident as a hit-and-run. That is incorrect,” said Interim Police Chief Jimmy Johnson. “Officers responded to the scene under reports of a potential hit-and-run; however, after reviewing witness affidavits collected at the scene and conducting further investigation, they confirmed that the parties exchanged insurance information as required by the Texas Transportation Code.”
Johnson noted that the case is now under review by the Potter County Attorney’s Office. “Since the incident remains pending with the Potter County Attorney’s Office, we will make no further comment on the case,” he added. “Per departmental policy and civil service rules, we do not comment on internal personnel matters. We’re providing this statement to offer additional context and address public interest. No further comment is anticipated at the time.”
As of this report, no charges have been filed against Funtek.
A Complex Departure
While the department frames Funtek’s retirement as a culmination of a long and decorated career, the timing has raised questions among some members of the public and media. The department has not linked the retirement directly to the ongoing investigation, and no official indication has been given that Funtek is under internal disciplinary review.
Whether Funtek's departure is routine or related to recent developments will likely remain unanswered unless formal charges are filed or additional information is released by the Potter County Attorney’s Office.
