KANSAS CITY, Mo. -The life of a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer, killed in the line of duty on him Wednesday night, is remembered Thursday morning.
Police say the officer was shot and killed while on patrol Wednesday night near Truman Road and Benton Boulevard.
Although the officer has not been identified, police say he was a 20-year KCPD veteran and was part of the department’s canine unit. The officer’s dog was also killed in the line of duty.
Police plan to hold a press conference on Thursday with further updates.
“This morning, our city mourns the death of a 20-year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department, along with an innocent civilian and a canine officer,” Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas said Thursday. “My prayers are with the families and friends of those we have lost and with all the women and men in law enforcement.”
The death came several hours after more than two dozen law enforcement officers gathered to provide safety and security for hundreds of thousands of people who attended the Chiefs Kingdom Champions Parade.
“From such joy to such tragedy in one day,” the Clay County Sheriff’s Department tweeted Thursday. “Our hearts go out to all those involved in this horrific accident and their loved ones and colleagues, especially those who had to respond to the scene.”
Police departments on both sides of the state line took to social media to express their support.
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of a @kcpolice officer, his K9, an innocent bystander that occurred during the night. Please keep the department and the community in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/nwZP8ScXk6
— Liberty, Missouri Police Department (@libertymopd) February 16, 2023
My deepest condolences on the loss of this officer and pedestrian in a tragic collision. I send my prayers to their families. https://t.co/1BWiNEfNq0
— Jean Peters Baker (@jeanpetersbaker) February 16, 2023
