Police Officer's Memorial

The Peace Officer's Memorial is a tribute to area peace officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community. Since 1868, thirteen officers have died in the line of duty in Buchanan County. The two most recent additions to the list were killed by armed suspects. St. Joseph Police Officer Bradley D. Arn (bottom left) was murdered in 1998, and Missouri State Patrol Sergeant Robert G. Kimberling (bottom right) in 1999.

Officer Arn's death evoked an emotional response from the community. The tremendous support shown for local law enforcement provided the incentive needed to form the Peace Officers Memorial Committee in January, 1999. The volunteer members included retired and active law enforcement officers, business leaders, government officials, educators, and private citizens.

The memorial is located in the Civic Center Park south of the St. Joseph City Hall. The design is a courtyard featuring life-sized bronze statues of a Buchanan County Deputy Sheriff and a St. Joseph Police Officer. The total cost is estimated at $135,000. Donations from the City of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, The Heartland Foundation, The William Enright Trust, and many citizens and businesses raised approximately $117,000. A loan was taken out by the F.O.P. for the difference to pay off the loan. Anyone interested in making a donation can send a check to:

Peace Officers Memorial/FOP
501 Faraon Street
Saint Joseph, Missouri
64501

Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty

We Will Never Forget

Police Canine Max

Date of Appointment: April 2019
Killed in Line of Duty: June 30, 2021

Patrolman Dan D. De Kraai

Date of Appointment: September 11, 2006
Killed in Line of Duty: September 15, 2010

Patrolman Bradley T. Arn

Date of Appointment: February 24, 1992
Killed in Line of Duty: November 10, 1998

Patrolman John W. Duty

Date of Appointment: July 1, 1964
Motor Vehicle Accident: September 12, 1991
Died: September 15, 1991

Patrolman Alva N. Mead

Date of Appointment: March 1, 1944
Killed in Line of Duty: March 18, 1944

Motorcycle Officer Sherman B. Winder

Date of Appointment: October 18, 1922
Shot in Line of Duty: September 13, 1940

Corporal Walter A. Wood

Date of Appointment: September 1, 1924
Killed in Line of Duty: April 4, 1926

Motorcycle Officer John Less

Date of Appointment: January 14, 1922
Shot in Line of Duty: October 19, 1923
Died: October 22, 1923

Patrolman John H. House

Date of Appointment: February 18, 1919
Shot in Line of Duty: July 27, 1922
Died: July 28, 1922

Chief of Detectives Thomas A. Johnson

Date of Appointment: July 16, 1901
Shot in Line of Duty: October 26, 1921
Died: October 27, 1921

Police Desk Clerk Albert M. Hall

Date of Appointment: March 30, 1921
Killed in Line of Duty: October 26, 1921

Patrolman Charles Hensley

Date of Appointment: June 16, 1896
Shot in Line of Duty: May 13, 1919
Died: May 14, 1919

Patrolman Joseph H. Killion

Date of Appointment: April 13, 1916
Died in Line of Duty: June 14, 1917