Department of Public Safety News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 01, 2010

Annual ceremony at State Capitol honors Missouri's fallen law enforcement officers

Two officers killed in the line of duty during 2009 are remembered
Two Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2009 were memorialized today at a solemn ceremony at the Law Enforcement Memorial, on the grounds of the State Capitol.
The names of Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Dennis Engelhard and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Julius Moore were added to the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall, overlooking the Missouri River, during the ceremony. 
"We must always remember those who choose to wear the badge and protect their fellow Missourians, despite the risks that they know come with the job," said Gov. Jay Nixon.  "Law enforcement is a career path that often means long shifts, thankless tasks, and danger.  But it is defined by service, sacrifice and courage.  There is no more honorable or important profession than serving to make our streets, communities and state safer.  We can never forget those who gave their lives protecting their fellow Missourians."  
"Whether they are serving in a rural area or a large city, Missouri's law enforcement officers are united by a desire to help their neighbors and to make their communities safer and stronger," said Department of Public Safety Director John M. Britt.  "They are also united by the bond of putting their lives on the line with each shift.  It is important that we come together to honor the brave service of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the citizens of Missouri.”
Families of the fallen and law enforcement agencies from across Missouri participated in the annual event by placing wreaths at the memorial wall. 
On Friday, April 30 a candlelight vigil in honor of all Missouri law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty was held in the State Capitol Rotunda.  

Here are the law enforcement officers whose names were added to the memorial wall this year:

DENNIS EDWARD ENGELHARD End of Watch: December 25, 2009 Rank: Corporal Department: Missouri State Highway Patrol Cause: Struck by Vehicle (while on foot) Age: 49 Years of Service: 10
Corporal Engelhard was fatally struck by a vehicle while investigating a traffic crash. Corporal Engelhard was investigating a minor crash on Interstate 44 in Eureka when another vehicle lost control due to winter weather conditions and struck him.  Corporal Engelhard was transported to a local hospital where he died of his injuries.
JULIUS KEITH MOORE End of Watch: October 15, 2009 Rank: Police Officer Department: Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis Cause: Automobile Accident Age: 23 Years of Service: 3
Officer Moore succumbed to injuries sustained in an automobile crash while responding to a burglary call.  Officer Moore was en route to the call when he collided with a tractor-trailer at an intersection.  Officer Moore applied his brakes to avoid the collision, but his patrol vehicle hit the tractor, slid across the intersection, and struck a light pole.  Officer Moore was transported to the St. Louis University Hospital where he died nine days later.

TOM J. "Chili" MORRISON End of Watch: July 3, 1945 Rank: Patrolman Department: Joplin Merchant Police   Cause: Shot to death Age: 75 Year of Service: unknown
Patrolman Morrison of the Joplin Merchant Police was shot while patrolling the streets of Joplin.  Morrison was killed by another Joplin Merchant patrolman with a 12 gauge shotgun. 

HAROLD T. WOOLERY End of Watch June 1, 1937 Rank: Police Officer Department: Missouri Pacific Railroad Cause: Stabbed Age: 52 Years of Service: 3
Officer Woolery was stabbed to death by five transients he had ejected from a boxcar in Kansas City.


  

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov