by Mary Rupert
Kansas City, Kan., Police Chief Terry Zeigler could hardly get through the awards presentation for the late Detective Brad Lancaster on Thursday night.
Detective Lancaster was killed in the line of duty on May 9. At the Police Department’s awards ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Unified Government Commission meeting, Zeigler presented two awards to Lancaster’s widow, Jamie.
With his voice breaking, Zeigler described how Detective Lancaster was shot when he was responding to a call near the Hollywood Casino. He presented the Valor Award posthumously.
Zeigler also announced the International Association of Chiefs of Police tribute to Detective Lancaster, which was presented to Jamie Lancaster.
Reading from a statement from the IACP, Zeigler said, “Detective Lancaster died doing the job he loved, serving the community he loved even more. Detective Lancaster represents all that is decent, honorable and intrepid about America. …
“What was significant about Detective Lancaster was not how he died, but how he lived,” Zeigler continued from the IACP statement. “Detective Lancaster didn’t lose his life, he gave it. And this is what we are honoring here tonight. A police officer pledges to keep our todays safe, knowing full well it could cost his tomorrows.”
Detective Lancaster’s name is inscribed on the IACP’s tribute, and he will never be forgotten, Zeigler said.
Also receiving awards at the ceremony Thursday night:
Valor Award: Officer Joseph Caiharr, Deputy Max Sybrant.
Meritorious Service Award: Officer Sara Janeczko, Officer Lewis Edwards.
Meritorious Service Award: Officer Daniel Sachen, Officer Rodney Ashley Jr., Officer Steven Solis.
Distinguished Service Award: Officer Mark Wilcox, K9 Officer Dax, Officer Phillip Schwery, Officer Michael Steele.
Safety First, Courtesy Always Award: Officer Dustin Dierenfeldt, Officer Jefferson Jacobs, Deidra Block.