Kevin Kolbye
Assistant Police Chief
Arlington Texas

Kevin Kolbye serves as an Assistant Police Chief over the Support Operations Bureau in Arlington, Texas. Support Operations includes investigative units such as homicide, narcotics, traffic units and other specialized sections. He had previously presided over patrol operations after joining Arlington in 2015. Kevin began his law enforcement career in 1983 with the Dallas Police Department. He joined the FBI in 1987 and was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Dallas Field Office in 2007. He led the FBI's Swat Team, served in covert capacities and oversaw the Criminal and National Security Branch.
In 2009, the Assistant Director appointed Kevin for temporary assignment to serve as the On-Scene Commander in Afghanistan for all investigation and intelligence operations
during Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2013, Kevin was selected by the Deputy Director as the Commander in Libya for the Benghazi investigation. Kevin attended Texas Tech University and graduated with a BBA in Accounting. He received his Masters in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University. He has also attended the FBI's Executive Development Institute, the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management - Navigating Strategic Change, the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) at Boston University. He is a 2019 graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute.

Kevin Kolbye
January 10, 1960 - October 20, 2023

FORT WORTH - Kevin was born in Dallas, Texas on Jan. 10, 1960 to William and Lila Kolbye. He grew up in Farmer's Branch, Texas where he attended RL Turner High School and played tight end for the Lions football team. Graduating high school in 1978, he then attended Texas Tech University where his father and sister had also graduated. He played tight end for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
He graduated in 1982 with a BBA in Accounting. Later, he received his Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University. His first job after college was with the accounting firm of Coopers and Lybrand. After realizing that accounting wasn't for him, Kevin began his law enforcement career with the Dallas Police Department in 1983.
He joined the FBI in 1987 where he served in many capacities, as an undercover agent in the Organized Crime/Drugs Division, FBI SWAT Team leader and oversaw the Criminal and National Security Branch. In 2007, Kevin was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the FBI Dallas Field Office. In 2009, the Assistant Director appointed Kevin to serve in an extremely challenging and complex counter-terrorism mission in Afghanistan as the On-Scene Commander for all investigative and intelligence operations during Operation Enduring Freedom.
In 2013, Kevin was selected by the Deputy Director as the Commander in Libya for the Benghazi investigation. After serving 28 years with the FBI, Kevin retired in January 2015. Kevin had always dreamed of returning to police work. He began a new career in January 2015 with the Arlington Police Department, where he served as the Assistant Police Chief. Kevin's life was defined by his commitment to serving his community. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the department and left an indelible mark on the city.
One of the notable aspects of Kevin's career was his dedication to community policing. He recognized the importance of fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the residents they served. Under his leadership, the Arlington Police Department implemented community outreach programs, enhanced community policing initiatives, and worked diligently to build trust with the public. Kevin believed that a safer community could be achieved through collaboration, transparency, and genuine communication.
Kevin Kolbye's retirement on Feb. 18, 2022, marked the end of an era for the Arlington Police Department. His colleagues and community members celebrated his career with gratitude and admiration. Many recognized him as a leader who not only demanded excellence, but also exemplified it in his own work. His retirement was an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact he had on the department and the city. He remained a guiding light, demonstrating that service to the community was not just a job but a way of life. His willingness to share his expertise and experiences with the next generation of law enforcement professionals was a testament to his dedication to the field.
Kevin especially loved spending time with his family and kids. He had a great love for the outdoors including camping, hiking, fishing and a great fondness for the beach. Kevin was known for his ability to encourage, inspire, and instill a sense of purpose in those he loved and worked with. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. He leaves a legacy that serves as a source of inspiration and will be remembered and cherished by many.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Angela Fields Kolbye; daughter, Amanda Kolbye; son, Chase Kolbye; stepsons, Elliot and Alexander Knight and their wonderful girlfriends, Macie Smith and Annabelle Watson whom Kevin thought of as his own children; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Doug Hughston; and his niece and nephews.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lila Kolbye; and his brother, Keith.
Memorial donations may be made to the Former Agents of the FBI Foundation through their website at www.socxfbi.org or sent directly to the Foundation at 3717 Fettler Park Drive, Dumfries, VA 22025.
Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 800 West 5th Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Visitation reception will follow service in Wesley Hall at the church.