Fallen Kansas City police officer, K-9 honored by State of Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – A fallen Kansas City police officer will be honored by Missouri leaders.

The names of Ofc. James Muhlbauer and K-9 Champ will be among the fallen officers whose names will be added to the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial’s Wall of Honor Saturday in Jefferson City.

They will also be honored during a candlelight vigil at the memorial Friday evening.

Muhlbauer and Champ died on Feb. 15, 2023, while on patrol. Jerron Lightfoot, 20, was speeding and ran a red light before he hit Muhlbauer’s police vehicle. The collision also killed 52-year-old Jesse Eckes, who was walking nearby.

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Last week, a Jackson County judge sentenced Lightfoot to 10-years in prison.

Before Lightfoot was sentenced, he took full responsibility for the tragedy and he hopes that the families can forgive him.

There are three other officers who will also be honored during the weekend’s ceremonies.

Hermann Police Department Detective Sergeant Mason E. Griffith was shot and killed by a gunman after Griffith while responding to a call at a convenience store. Griffith died March 12, 2023.

Kelly Rolando died in a head-on crash Oct. 22, 2023. He worked for the Missouri Department Corrections at Northeast Correctional Center in Bowling Green, Mo.

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Missouri Department of Corrections Functional Unit Manager Jason Pulliam died on Oct. 15, 2021. He passed away after contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Friday’s candlelight service will take place at the Law Enforcement Memorial at the Missouri State Capitol on North Capitol Drive in Jefferson City. The service begins at 8 p.m.

Saturday’s memorial service will be held at the same location. The service begins at 10 a.m. and will also be livestreamed on the Department of Public Safety Facebook page.

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