I considered this topic due to a memorial in remembrance of the murder of Officer Mark Mosher, Overland Park, KS Police Department, five years ago. His memory was honored at the Police Department on May 5th, five years and two days after his death. 

It wasn’t just cops at the Mike Mosher Memorial in Overland Park, KS. It was a well-attended event.

Generally, I’d write about lessons learned in such tragic events. It’s a sin to waste the sacrifice an officer made by not learning the lessons from the loss.

Because you’d want to know, here is the précis: 14-½ year veteran of OPPD Michael Shaun Mosher was in uniform, off-duty, but on his way to work when he witnessed a hit & run vehicle collision. As he followed the fleeing vehicle, he called the station. The offender stopped, got out of his car, and confronted Officer Mosher. The officer recorded the video with his personal phone. The offender appeared to be barely under control as Mosher quietly urged him to get back to his vehicle. Finally, and before other officers could arrive, the offender drew a gun. They struggled over it as the offender fired and the phone went to the ground. Mike was shot and returned fire, killing the offender. 

Officer Mosher died from his injuries. 

I went to the memorial as an opportunity to meet with Mike Egan, a member of our industry and former Johnson County resident. As I turned off Blue Valley Parkway, onto Mike Mosher Boulevard – named for the fallen officer – I found the parking situation at the Justice Center to be at capacity. I had to park on the circle drive some distance from the station, near the employee parking entrance, to leave space clear for an arriving fire truck. 

Overland Park, an affluent community, showed itself to be what it really is, beyond the obvious - the luxury cars, country clubs and high finance; a small town. The sense of community was palpable. The Fire Department was there, as were citizens, officers from other agencies, city officials, and members of the media. 

The Honor Guard was there, at attention, for far too long; early in the year – just mid-Spring, and it was already hot. They stood their post and did their duty without falling out.

Chaplains spoke and prayed. The Chief gave a good talk about Mike and his legacy. A pair of other officers, coworkers likewise spoke. 

A chaplain related that a bystander, a certified nursing assistant Patricia Funk, rendered aid to the fallen officer. 

She passed away last week. 

Mike’s father, now a member of the city council, spoke – bravely – and clearly about his son, the tragic event, and forgiveness. He and his wife, who passed shortly after their son died, attended the funeral of their son’s killer, embracing the offender’s family. 

I was touched by the event, by the speakers, by the dedication of those who decline to forget. I was overwhelmed by the “final call,” when officers turned their radios on – and by the mournful sound of Taps being played by a retired officer.

Local media was onsite for the event. Below, Mike Mosher’s coworkers remembered their friend.

Mike’s father sat with a reporter for an interview; it’s worth reading. The message is one of forgiveness and, to the extent it’s possible, healing. 

You want a tactic, a “lesson learned?” It’s this: when the battle is over, win-lose-or draw, it’s time for learning – to prevent a reoccurrence of a similar event. And it’s time for forgiveness. Hate is a losing proposition. It hurts only the one who feels it. 

In a country awash with tribalism, bitterness and hatred, there’s a time to put it aside. If you respond like Scott Mosher, Mike’s dad, it’s with wry humor and a willingness to give to his community. The community responds positively to that approach.

Julie and Paul Carney, the offender’s parents, described in an interview how Mosher’s parents invited them to Mike’s funeral. They didn’t know what to expect. What they got was the message that both families lost a son – and forgiveness was order of the day. 

Julie Carney said "If they can forgive this, what cannot be forgiven?"

There’s a tactic for you. 

Note -  some detail for this feature was provided by 41 KSHB.

— Rich Grassi