Police to be honored for heroism tonight

For more information, contact:
KCPD Media Unit
816-234-5170

Kansas City Police tonight will honor officers who put their own lives on the line to help others in peril.

An award ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. today, March 29, at the Kansas City Regional Police Academy, 6885 N.E. Pleasant Valley Rd.

Sergeant Darrin Wilson and Officer Jeremy Gragg will receive the department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor. On Jan. 9, 2015, both were working off-duty security jobs in one of the busiest areas of downtown during rush hour. But when a man robbed a bank, planted a live bomb in a downtown office tower, then attempted to carjack four people at gunpoint, the officers jumped into action. They left their posts and ran after him to stop him from committing any more acts of violence. As the officers closed in on him, the suspect pointed his gun at Sergeant Wilson. Both officers fired, struck the suspect and took him into custody. The suspect survived and pleaded guilty in November 2015 to numerous federal charges.

Another group of officers will receive Certificates of Commendation for rescuing two fellow officers who were pinned down by gunfire on Nov. 14, 2015. A man was firing at them from a window, and a group of patrol officers went in with only ballistic shields for protection to extract them from the small alcove where they had taken cover. The shooter was then taken into custody without incident. Police also will honor Mr. Jimmie Anderson, a resident who helped officers determine where the shots were coming from, pointed out the suspect and allowed police into his home during the course of the incident where they established a make-shift command post.

Many more officers will be honored at tonight’s ceremony for acts of bravery, saving lives and ingenuity.

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