The Thin Blue Line

Our law enforcement officers go above and beyond the call of duty every single day. They know that when they lace up their boots in the morning and kiss their loved ones goodbye, they might never return home. Fortunately, most do, but that's tragically what happened yesterday in Independence.

According to reports, a process server was serving an eviction notice when, in an instant, a gunman opened fire. An Independence police officer responded to the scene to render aid. Tragically, both were fatally wounded. Two other officers who responded to the scene were wounded.

35-year-old Officer Cody Allen leaves behind a wife and two children. Drexel Mack, a Civil Process Server for the Jackson County Courts, leaves behind a fiancé. It's a heartbreaking and stark reminder of the very real dangers for those who take the oath to protect and serve. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and colleagues on the force and in the court system.

Folks are still reeling from the chaos at the end of the Chiefs parade. What was supposed to be a joyful occasion quickly turned tragic. In that moment, we saw police officers do the very same thing, rushing into danger—putting their own lives on the line to save others.

In January, a Missouri State Highway Patrol Officer was shot after a vehicle pursuit near Clarence. Thankfully, the officer is recovering, but it’s just another reminder that our law enforcement officers never know what they are going to face day to day. It only takes an instant for a traffic stop, a parade, or serving a routine court notice to turn deadly.

We all owe our police officers and law-enforcement officials a debt of gratitude we can never repay. It's my prayer that there is healing for all involved and for the safety of all our law enforcement professionals who continue to walk the thin blue line.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves