INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A memorial service was held for Independence police officer James Lockard on Friday. The procession went by the Independence Police Headquarters, on the way to the Community of Christ auditorium.
Lockard died Sunday, after a weekend hunting accident. After killing a deer, Lockard rode an all-terrain vehicle to retrieve the deer.
While he was traveling, a tree fell on him and his body was crushed. He suffered multiple internal injuries and passed away at a hospital. He was well liked as a colleague and will be missed by many. On Monday, a law enforcement motorcade helped escort his body to a funeral home.
“Several of our employees are certainly upset and he will be sorely missed,” said. Capt. Paul Thurman on Monday. “It’s the least we can do to show our respect to an officer who has fallen, especially in the manner that’s so unusual as this.”
Lockard was a five-year police veteran and is survived by his wife and their two children. A memorial fund has been up at Code One Credit Union, the details to donate include:
James Lockard Memorial Fund
c/o Code One Credit Union
PO Box 270020
Kansas City, Mo. 64127
