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Remembering Those Who Gave Their Lives For Others

 
Today flags will fly at half-staff, law enforcement will wear black bands across their badges and our nation will pay tribute to the service and courageous sacrifices made by the men and women who have laid their lives down while serving their communities. As of this morning there have been 105 Law Enforcement Line of Duty Deaths reported in the United States in 2022. Since January 1st, the State of Kansas has lost Sheriff Robert Craft and Iola Police Officer David Ingle. We of course also continue to mourn the loss of Officer Jake Reed and Corporal Ben Cooper, of the Joplin Missouri Police Department.
 
Other lawmen who we pause to remember made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Cherokee County. They include:
 
Baxter Springs City Marshal Henry Seaman, who was shot while attempting to arrest a woman who operated a brothel after she shot at two other men in November 1870
 
Baxter Springs City Marshal C.M. Taylor who was shot and killed by the Mayor when Marshal Taylor attempted to arrest the mayor when he refused to pay his debt at the lumberyard in June 1872
 
Columbus City Marshal David Gordon who was murdered while investigating a break in at the Gulf Depot in March 1888
 
Empire City Marshal Marion Thomas who was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a drunk at a saloon on February 6, 1900
 
Galena City Marshal Milford Parker who was electrocuted while trying to clear a sidewalk from a down telephone line on June 25, 1900
 
Spring Valley Township Constable Deputy John Crawford who was shot and killed during a raid of a whiskey still on New Year's Eve, 1929
 
Baxter Springs Chief of Police John T. Moyer, who was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man causing a disturbance at a boarding house in April 1939.
 
As part of National Law Enforcement Memorial Day we remember these fallen officers, all of whom went to work each day in an effort to keep their friends and neighbors safe, despite the risks to their own well-being.
 
"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God," Matthew 5:9
 
Stay safe and God Bless,
Sheriff David Groves
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