Trail of Heroes

The Trail of Heroes was constructed by Kansas City, Missouri police officers and volunteers to honor fallen officers of the police department. The trail established during Police Chief James Corwin’s tenure, was completed on October 30, 2008. There were many who put in time and effort into building the trail, both work and materials for the trail were volunteered or donated. The trail winds around the Shoal Creek Patrol Division and the Police Academy campus. The trail is carved out through a wooded area, composed of grass and gravel, and covers 2.75 miles. While exploring the trails you will find native wildflowers, a lake, and local wildlife.

The trail is made up of two sections, the beginning portion of the trail memorializes officers fallen in the line of duty and the end portion memorializes officers who passed away off-duty or during retirement. There are dozens of benches in each section. There are wooden posts memorializing officers along the trail as well.

The bench at the opening of the trail is in honor of fallen Officer Warren G. Jackman, who was killed in the line of duty during a bank robbery at 169 Highway and Englewood Road on March 19, 1976. When his former Academy classmates heard about the Trail of Heroes, they came together to donate $500 for a bench in his memory.

On the east arm of the trail, three benches can be found for fallen officers, John J. O’Sullivan, Homer Darling, and Douglas A. Perry.

The first bench along the west arm of the trail is dedicated in memory of fallen officer Craig Schultz, killed in the line of duty on May 9, 2001.

Following along the trail on the west arm is where the Bench and memorial for fallen Officer James Muhlbauer and K-9 Champ are located. The partners were killed on February 15, 2023 when a vehicle crashed into them while they were on patrol. Officer Muhlbauer was a 20-year veteran of KCPD, while K-9 Champ was with KCPD for one year. K-9 Champ lived with Muhlbauer and his family, Muhlbauer was married and a father of two.

On the second part of the trail, a bench overlooking the south side of the Academy campus is dedicated to retired Major Darrel Chism. Who died in a car accident in December of 2007. Major Chism oversaw much of the construction of the new Police Academy, completed in November 2007.

Additionally, there can be many Eagle Scout projects found along the grounds of the trail.

Eagle Scout Project, towards the trails east arm, stands a map of the trail's mile markings.

Eagle Scout Project, found at the beginning of the trail, features stones build around the flagpoles.

Eagle Scout Project, towards the trails west arm, stands a map with a GEO location tool.

KCPD’s Building Ops handles all of the upkeep for the trail. Anyone interested in donating money for a memorial bench or post along the Trail of Heroes can call KCPD’s Building Ops at (816) 413-3660. Benches can be purchased for $500.