On March 8, 2025, as many areas of Missouri experienced dangerous wildfire conditions, the Johnson County Fire Protection District was dispatched to a reported fast-moving fire in a field in rural Johnson County. The fire had been started as a controlled burn but grew out of control. Captain Collett was first on the scene in his personal vehicle and began suppressing the fire with a fire swatter he traveled with in his vehicle. Captain Collett collapsed from a medical emergency. District personnel administered CPR. The Johnson County Ambulance District continued lifesaving efforts but were not able to revive him. Captain Collett faithfully served the Jackson County Fire Protection District for 29 years and, in a final act demonstrating his commitment to protecting the public, was first on the scene and immediately went to work attempting to control the fire.

On April 27, 2025, Firefighter-Paramedic Hoffman and his Kansas City Fire Department ambulance partner responded to a medical call from the Kansas City Police Department. After treating the patient at the scene, Hoffman was caring for her en route to North Kansas City Hospital when she pulled a knife and stabbed Hoffman in the chest, piercing his heart. A crew emergency was initiated, and additional fire and police responders arrived at the scene. Lifesaving efforts were performed as the ambulance rushed to the hospital and continued in surgery. Despite all efforts, Hoffman, 29, who had been a member of the fire department for three years, succumbed to his injuries. He had been murdered in an ambulance, a place where he had devoted his life to treating countless patients in need with kindness and compassion.

At about 11 p.m. on June 1, 2025, Lee’s Summit officers were dispatched to an apartment complex for a domestic disturbance. Officer Timbrook located the victim and suspect in the parking lot. The suspect tried to leave in his vehicle and then fled on foot when Timbrook attempted to detain him. Timbrook gave chase when the suspect ran between two garage units. The suspect then quickly turned and fired several shots. Officer Timbrook was struck and knocked to the ground. As he ran back past Timbrook toward his vehicle, the gunman fired additional rounds at Timbrook. Officer Timbrook remained calm and was able to provide a suspect description and direct responding units. The suspect was later arrested in Kansas. Officer David Stanley provided critical first aid, applying a tourniquet to Timbrook’s upper left leg. Officer Madison Madden and Stanley loaded Timbrook into Madden’s vehicle and transported him to paramedics staged outside the scene. Timbrook underwent surgery for four gunshot wounds – to his left arm and leg, his shoulder and chest. A ballistic vest stopped a potentially fatal shot to the torso. He returned to light duty with the department this year and continues to receive ongoing treatment for his injuries.

On October 6, 2025, the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office requested activation of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety Special Operations Group – a SWAT team – after a local farmer was found dead. It was believed that the killer was barricaded in the farmer’s residence. Officer Franklin deployed as a member of the Special Operations Group and was shot and killed by the suspect who was concealed inside the residence during the service of an arrest warrant. The gunman died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officer Franklin devoted his life to courageously serving and protecting others, including almost 20 years in the military, two tours in Iraq, and over 12 years patrolling the streets of Sikeston as a member of Sikeston DPS. He died as he and other officers attempted to bring a murder suspect to justice. He will be remembered for bravely confronting violence and making the ultimate sacrifice so the community could live in safety.