Kehoe said in a written statement that Missourians have a “responsibility” to honor fallen law enforcement officers to ensure they aren’t forgotten, and he saluted the “great courage, strength and commitment” shown by police officers and others as they perform their duties.
This year’s candlelight vigil for officers who passed away is set for 8 p.m. Friday at the Law Enforcement Memorial on the Missouri State Capitol grounds.
The memorial’s Wall of Honor now counts some 752 fallen officers, with four more added this year, alongside two others whose circumstances of death in the line of duty were recently verified through historical research.
On Saturday at 10 a.m., a law enforcement memorial service will be held at the state capitol building. It will be livestreamed on the Facebook page for the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
Families of the officers who passed away, alongside law enforcement colleagues from across Missouri, will participate in the ceremonies.
The governor’s office also some information about the officers to be honored this year:
- Cody R. Allen – On February 29, 2024, Independence Police Department Officer Cody Allen was shot and killed while responding to the shooting of Jackson County Civil Process Server Drexel Mack, who had been serving an eviction notice.
- Stephen A. Singer – Early on the morning of April 8, 2024, Lake Lafayette Police Department Chief Steven Singer died in his home as a result of a heart attack. The evening before, he had pursued several suspects who were trespassing with utility task vehicles near the dam at Lake Lafayette.
- Phylicia Carson – On August 31, 2024, Osage Beach Police Department Officer Phylicia Carson was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to assist another officer involved in a vehicle pursuit.
- David Lee III – On September 22, 2024, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Lee III was struck by a vehicle and killed while assisting at the scene of a motor vehicle crash on eastbound I-70. Officer Lee was setting out flares when a speeding drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and struck him.
- Noah Bowles – On February 8, 1904, Lewistown Marshal Noah Bowles was attempting to arrest a man for public intoxication on a railway platform in Lewistown. The suspect, who had allegedly been harassing passengers on a recently arrived train, fatally shot Marshal Bowles with a revolver.
- George D. Hooper – On March 17, 1918, Webb City Police Department Chief George Hooper was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire. He had approached a gunman who had been firing a handgun and pursuing a woman on foot near railroad tracks. The gunman shot Chief Hooper, who returned fire. A deputy sheriff shot and killed the gunman.
