Independence Police Memorial

Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans was shot and killed when he was dispatched to the 2300 block of South Northern Boulevard to check for a wanted subject at a residence. As officers encountered the wanted subject the man opened fire and critically wounded Officer Madrid-Evans. Another officer on scene returned fire and killed the subject. Officer Madrid-Evans was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds later that evening. Officer Madrid-Evans had graduated from the academy only two months earlier and was still in field training. He is survived by his parents and fiancée.

Reserve Sergeant John Bullard died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Sergeant Bullard had served with the Independence Police Department for 46 years. He is survived by his wife, parents, a daughter, a son, two step-daughters, and ten grandchildren.

Officer Terry Foster was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call. An elderly couple had called the police to report their grown son was threatening them and acting violently. When officers arrived, the suspect locked himself in an upstairs bedroom. After talking with the suspect, the officers forced the hallway door open and began to check a bedroom when the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Foster in the head and chest several times. Other officers dragged Officer Foster out of the home and held their positions when an explosion ripped through the bedroom, completely engulfing the house. The suspect's body was later found inside. Officer Foster had served with the Independence Police Department for 32 years and was only three weeks from retirement. He is survived by his wife of one year and several adult children.

Lieutenant David Kraxner was shot and killed while conducting a felony traffic stop on an escaped convict who shot a prison guard while being transported for trial. The suspect then murdered a citizen and stole his car. Lieutenant Kraxner located the vehicle and began a felony traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. 40 and Crysler Avenue but was immediately met with gunfire. Both he and the suspect were wounded in the shootout. The suspect was able to walk to Lieutenant Kraxner's vehicle, gained control of his service weapon, and then shot him execution style. The suspect was apprehended later in the morning and pleaded guilty in order to avoid the death penalty. He was subsequently sentenced to life plus 39 years in prison. Lieutenant Kraxner's killer was denied parole in January 2012. Lieutenant Kraxner is survived by his wife and children. He is buried in Pleasant View Cemetery, Shawnee, Kansas.

Patrolman George Barton was walking his beat on the Square at about 3:30 a.m., when he noticed a suspicious individual. The person pulled out a Colt .45 and shot Patrolman Barton, who died two hours later at the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital. The chief of police found the shooter near Main Street and Lexington Avenue and was met with a barrage of bullets. the chief returned fire and killed the person. Patrolman Barton was survived by his wife and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Jackson County, Missouri.

Chief Swearingen was accidentally shot and killed when his gun fell to the floor and discharged while he was checking on prisoners.

Jailer Henry Bugler was shot and killed when five well-armed men rode into town and attacked the jail. Reportedly two members of Quantril's guerrillas had been arrested and were in the jail; a group of horsemen rode into town and demanded the prisoners be released. It is believed members of the Jesse James gang were among this group of horsemen.