"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Kansas City (MO) Police Officer Thomas R. Meyers

His 25-year law enforcement career was ended by a drunken driver. But Tom Meyers continues to be remembered and honored as a tireless advocate for crime prevention by an award that bears his name.

Police Officer Thomas R. Meyers

McLean, VA (June 2, 2026) - On the morning of January 14, 1998, around 11 a.m., Kansas City (MO) Police Officer Thomas R. Meyers responded to a traffic crash. He was doing what he had done countless times before — stepping into danger so that others could be safe. While speaking with the stranded motorist, a vehicle approached the scene at 80 miles per hour, driving erratically. It slammed into the disabled car and into Officer Meyers, killing him and injuring three other civilians at the scene. The driver was drunk, with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison but was released early in 2020. Tom was survived by his wife Trudy, his son Troy, his daughter Tracy, his mother Elizabeth, and his brother Charles. In the years after his death, Tom’s reputation as a tireless advocate for crime prevention continued to grow through a remarkable honor created in his name: The Thomas R. Meyers Award, presented annually by the ASIS Greater Kansas City Chapter. The award recognizes an outstanding law enforcement officer who exemplifies professionalism and serves as a role model in the community—someone who fosters relationships between law enforcement, the community, and private security professionals. Someone just like Tom Meyers.

Listen to the podcast to learn the rest of the story: https://behindbadge.substack.com/p/heroes-live-forever-the-story-of-333