From Curious College Student To Life-Saving Detective

Some residents ride along with officers to learn about policing, but doing it a dozen times changed Lauren Montgomery Gist’s life.

A student at Park University, and undecided about her career path, Montgomery Gist took a criminal justice course that required 12 ride-alongs with KCPD. She rode along at each patrol station, in a helicopter, and with the K-9 Unit.

She was hooked. Her advice to people wanting to serve, but unsure about it comes from experience. “If you’re on the fence, do some ride-alongs,” Montgomery Gist recommended. “See what it’s really like day to day. KCPD is what stuck with me. We have a lot of specialized units here, a lot of different things you can do.”

For example, after serving in patrol, Montgomery Gist became a detective in KPCD’s Domestic Violence Unit, seeking justice for survivors. She is now a detective in the Assault Squad, investigating not-fatal shootings, stabbings, and serious injury assaults.

“I get to meet people from every walk of life,” Montgomery Gist said. “I like the investigative part of what we call the suspect development, trying to determine who the suspect is, trying to put all the pieces together, eventually getting them charged.”

The variety and activity of policing were draws for Montgomery Gist when she was considering a law enforcement career. Still, what happened in February of 2024 was nothing the detective could have expected. After wrapping up interviews at a local hospital, Montgomery Gist and another officer walked outside. She heard screams and saw a car. When she walked up, she saw two parents frantic over their baby who was choking. Montgomery Gist took the baby and gave back blows until the baby started breathing again.

“She started breathing so I kept her in that position because we weren’t sure if the object was still in her mouth or not,” Montgomery Gist recalled. I don’t know if the object was spat out or swallowed, but either way, she was breathing.” For her heroic act, Montgomery Gist received a Life-Saving Award from the police department.

Montgomery Gist joined KCPD right after college. It’s been 11 years of purpose that she’s thankful for.

“When I went through the academy, I was young. I was 21 and 22 when I graduated, “Montgomery Gist said. “I’ll be eligible to retire before I’m 50. On the other side of the spectrum, one of my academy classmates was in his 40s in a career change. He’s still here and happy with it. It’s what you make of it.”

KCPD has police officer openings. Apply here.

Here’s the video of Montgomery Gist saving the baby –  Security camera captures Detectives saving baby's life (youtube.com)