Independence holds 2026 Police Memorial to honor fallen officers

Independence, Missouri — Hundreds gathered on May 15, 2026, for the city’s Police Memorial Day ceremony to honor officers killed in the line of duty.

Police Officer and public information officer Alex McCoy opened the formal remarks by saying, "Duty to remember, duty to honor, and duty to ensure sacrifice is never forgotten," and urged the community to recognize the people behind every badge.

The mayor, Kevin King, read a proclamation declaring May 15, 2026, Police Memorial Day in Independence and recited the names and service dates of officers from Independence and neighboring Sugar Creek who died in the line of duty. "I, Kevin King, mayor of Independence, do hereby proclaim 05/15/2026 as Police Memorial Day in Independence," he said.

Doug Blodgett, speaking for the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1 and the Missouri State Board of the Fraternal Order of Police, told families the organization would continue to stand by them: "We pledge to honor their memory by standing by you, offering support long after the day."

The keynote speaker, Walter D. Disney, framed grief and remembrance as a communal duty and urged attendees to reach out to people who are struggling. At one point he asked the audience to use their phones to send encouraging messages to people in need, and he asked everyone to "utter their name, Officer Cody Allen," as a way to honor the fallen.

Interim Chief Doug Brinkley conducted the roll call of officers killed in the line of duty and led the presentation of the memorial wreath. The program included a presentation of colors by the Independence Police Honor Guard, the national anthem performed by Detective Steve Brashears, an invocation and a closing prayer by Chaplain Virgil Garner.

Organizers listed the names and dates of service for eight Independence officers (including Jailer Henry Riegler; Chief John Swearingen; Patrolman George Barton; Lieutenant David Kracner; Officer Terry Foster; Sergeant John Bullard Jr.; Officer Blaze Madrid Evans; and Officer Cody Allen) and two Sugar Creek officers (Chief Mike Onka and Chief Anthony Novak).

The ceremony concluded with thanks from the department and a request that attendees carry the memory of the fallen into their communities. Alex McCoy closed by saying, "Thank you everyone for coming out. We appreciate your support."