Both were sights to behold. People lined the route of the Salute to Blue procession Sunday saluting, waving flags and even kneeling. The support for law enforcement was overwhelming.
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| Top right and bottom left photos courtesy Overland Park Police Department. |
This week, May 10-16, is National Police Week. It began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week to honor officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Officer Mosher paid the ultimate sacrifice, and I am so humbled by the respect the community has shown for him and law enforcement.
No one becomes a police officer planning to die in service to their community, but we do all know it is a possibility. The show of support for law enforcement lately demonstrates the high esteem in which the vast majority of Kansas City metro residents hold police for being willing to make that sacrifice. We don’t often see news stories about that support.
We at KCPD began feeling a tangible increase in community support at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have since received donations from hundreds of organizations, individuals and businesses ranging from food to masks to thermometers. The community realized that pandemic or no pandemic, KCPD would be on the front lines every day and night to serve and protect, even with the risk to officers’ own health and safety. They have repeatedly thanked us for that dedication, and we are humbled by their support. Many didn’t even want their name mentioned. They just felt in their hearts that supporting police was the right thing to do. To know that our work is appreciated means the world to officers in a time when the world has been turned upside down, and we lost one of our brothers across the State Line who was doing the same job we do.
Some people don’t like and/or distrust police. Yes, police have made mistakes and we are constantly evaluating our programs and training to better connect with our community. Police remain one of the most trusted professions in America, however. In Kansas City, at least, we are doing as much as we possibly can to earn your trust and support.
For those who have already shown your support, thank you. Words aren’t enough to express the difference that makes in a job that often feels thankless. I know for a fact members of the KCPD have been surprised but very appreciative of the outpouring of support.
May 21 would have been our police memorial service at KCPD Headquarters. For everyone’s health and safety, we are moving that service online this year. We will share a special video tribute that day to the 119 KCPD officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice throughout our agency’s 146-year history. Keep an eye out for it here, on our social media and on our web site, and help us honor those who have gone before us in service to their city.
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