GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Bryan Jobe
[Garden City, KS] February 11, 2025 – Bryan Jobe, a native of Copeland, Kansas, began his academic journey at Garden City Community College (GCCC) in 1993, driven by his ambition to pursue a career in law enforcement. Drawn to GCCC’s esteemed Criminal Justice program, he valued the combination of classroom education and hands-on training in key law enforcement skills, such as firearms, patrol procedures, and tactics. Reflecting on his experience, Bryan shared, “Garden City Community College provides students not only with academic education but also the opportunity to apply practical law enforcement skills. There is a wide range of opportunity at GCCC.”
During his time at GCCC, Bryan was an active member of Tau Epsilon Lambda (TEL), the college's criminal justice competition team. Reflecting on his college experience, he shared, "The most important thing I learned at GCCC is to never stop learning. It may sound cliché, but you can always learn something from someone. Never stop educating yourself."
Bryan credits GCCC with helping him unlock his full potential as a student. "I was never really the best student in school. I made decent grades but never reached my full potential until I attended GCCC. Enrolling in the Criminal Justice program, I attended every class I possibly could. I developed better study habits, learned to take effective notes, and gained the confidence to expand my educational goals." He graduated from GCCC in 1996 with an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.
Building on the foundation established at GCCC, Bryan pursued further education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Missouri in 1999. More recently, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Arson, Explosives, Firearms, and Toolmark Investigation at Oklahoma State University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in the same field.
Today, Bryan serves as a Detective with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department's Bomb and Arson Section. "As a member of the Bomb and Arson Section, we are certified Public Safety Bomb Technicians and Fire Investigators. Our duties include investigating and safely disposing of hazardous devices, as well as determining the origins and causes of fires." In addition to his investigative work, Bryan handles an explosives detection canine, K-9 Flick. "K-9 Flick and I conduct explosives sweeps throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, including security operations for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City Current Soccer Club, as well as dignitary visits and special events."
Bryan emphasizes the importance of reputation and credibility in law enforcement. “The day you enter your first criminal justice class or academy training, you establish your reputation and credibility. Trust is essential—not only from the public but also from supervisors, peers, prosecutors, judges, and juries.”
Sharing advice with current and prospective students, Bryan stressed the importance of character and perseverance. “Be a team player, work hard, be reliable, and stay coachable. Accept constructive criticism, never stop learning and training, and always strive for growth. Most importantly, have fun and stay humble. Your career will have highs and lows, but the lows will pass—so always be mindful of your mental health.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bryan is committed to preserving the legacy of his late wife, Danielle Elam-Jobe, who passed away in 2021. Danielle was the daughter of Dennis Elam, the founder and longtime director of GCCC’s Criminal Justice program. A GCCC graduate herself, she went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and dedicated her career to serving others through legal advocacy. To honor her memory, Bryan established the Danielle Elam-Jobe Memorial Scholarship at GCCC, providing support for aspiring criminal justice students.
Garden City Community College is proud to have been a part of Bryan’s remarkable journey, shaping a career dedicated to service, education, and mentorship.
Make a difference for future Busters by starting your own Endowed Scholarship through the GCCC President's Scholarship Initiative
From HERE, you can go ANYWHERE.
--
Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
###