By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
May 25, 2011

Throughout the history of the Kansas City Police Department, 119 officers have been killed in the line of duty.

Citizens, community leaders and fellow officers honored the fallen during a May 19 memorial service at police headquarters in downtown Kansas City.

In addition to special speakers, the service included an honor guard, 21-guard salute, KCPD Color Guard, bagpiper and a riderless horse to represent the fallen officers. In front of police headquarters 119 miniature U.S. flags lined the flower beds, billowing in the wind.

KCPD Chief Jim Corwin addressed attendees and said the 119 officers should be remembered more than once a year. For 10 years and counting, KCPD has not lost an officer, Corwin said.

However, KCPD shouldn’t fall into a “false sense of security,” he continued.

Last year, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reported a 40 percent increase in line-of-duty deaths, with 162 officers killed across the United States, Corwin said.

Several recent scenarios in Kansas City could have resulted in death, but didn’t, he said.

One incident that could have turned tragic occurred just after midnight on Christmas Day last year.

Two officers were dispatched on a trespassing call at an apartment complex.

“They ended up wrestling with a man high on PCP, who repeatedly tried to take their service weapons from them and use them against them,” Corwin said. “The man was unable to do so and taken into custody…

“It is a dangerous time to be a police officer in Kansas City and elsewhere. The men and women of this police department go on the job every day knowing they will encounter criminals who should have been put in jail long ago but are still on the streets with assault weapons and no respect for the law.

“Our officers know they will walk alongside highways to help a car crash victim when the only thing standing between them and speeding motorists is a line of paint. They know they will be criticized and disrespected. Most of all, they do their duties knowing their names may end up on this monument. This is true selflessness, and it is to be commended and honored.”

Above, Kansas City honors its fallen police officers during a May 19 memorial service at police headquarters in downtown Kansas City. Above, Kansas City Police Chief Jim Corwin addresses the crowd, speaking about the selflessness of KCPD officers. Leslie Collins